The Gin Garden

What is gin?

The history

Giving the term “self-medicating” a bit of back-story, gin actually originated as a medicine created by monks and alchemists across Europe from as early as the 13th century. As a medicinal herb, juniper was an essential part of any self-respecting doctor’s kit throughout the middle-ages; the berries were a popular cure-all for any disease, pain or strain, especially when they were infused into wine and then distilled into fiery alcoholic tonics. Suddenly, everyone wanted to see the doctor!

The flavour

At its heart, all gin must include juniper, but after that, distillers have free rein to get creative. That’s where things get interesting. You might already know the classic notes: citrusy, piney, maybe a bit peppery. But modern gins have gone wild in the best possible way. Think floral lavender, warming cardamom, tangy rhubarb, even seaweed! It’s like a walk through a herb garden, a spice rack, and a hedgerow - all in one glass.

The serve

Gin and tonic is almost always a winner, but there’s an art to making it sing. First, choose a tonic to complement, not overpower. Light and dry for bold gins, and citrusy for floral or fruit-led varieties.

Then the garnish: this isn’t just about looking pretty. A good garnish draws out the flavours in your gin. A slice of orange brings out warm spices, cucumber cools down a crisp gin, and a sprig of rosemary can lift earthy notes beautifully. Play around - half the fun is in the experimenting.

Serve it in a big glass with lots of ice. No one wants a lukewarm G&T.

Our Favourite Floral Gins

Hedgerow
This classic juniper-led gin was inspired by the hedgerows of North Yorkshire where there are abundant botanicals to add subtle tones and flavours.

Castle Farm Lavender
A beautifully floral and soft gin, distilled with Kentish hedgerow botanicals and of course, the flavour of the Castle Farm Lavender.

Whitby Bramble and Bay
Bursting with blackberries and fragrant bay leaf, this gin is a sip of late-summer nostalgia, transporting you back to the childhood joy of finding a thicket bejewelled with blackberries.

Eden Mill Golf Gin
This gin is distilled with botanicals foraged from the Old Course in St Andrews. The gorse, heather and lavender are complemented with Scottish kombu seaweed to add a subtle saltiness to the floral notes.

Mermaid
The signature gin’s name was inspired by its lead botanical, rock samphire, known locally on the Isle of Wight as ‘mermaid’s kiss’. It’s a fresh and invigorating serve, for the free-spirited.

Rock Rose summer edition
A citrus style gin using botanicals grown in the distillery garden in the far north of Scotland. Perfect served with a sprig of thyme or borage flowers and tonic.