Gin is the toast at the launch of new Inverurie based Foghouse Spirits
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A renowned Aberdeenshire spirits business has launched their own unique brand range, kicking off with the nation’s favourite spirit, gin.
Mike Stuart who founded the Inverurie Whisky Shop in 2015, has launched a new company named Foghouse Spirits, which will evolve in time to include a single cask whisky range and rum.
Mike, 37 has taken his expert experience and knowledge of the industry and collaborated with the award-winning Lost Loch Spirits Company in Aboyne to create the small batch gin in micro copper stills.
Inspired by Mediterranean flavours, the handcrafted expression combines nine botanicals including the highly sought after wormwood which is prized for its distinctive wonderful aroma.
Inspiration was taken from classic recipes and carefully considered ingredients and the gin delivers notes of rosemary and olive balanced with coriander and cubeb spice.
Finally, to keep things local and using the best ingredients possible, Deeside Mineral Water from the Cairngorms is added.
The company’s name derives from Foghouses found across many of Scotland’s estates.
The man made shelters are found on hillsides and were where the Lairds of the past would entertain guests and escape the ordinary.
Mike said: “We’ve been working on Foghouse since 2019 and wanted to create something that would really stand out from the crowd not just in flavour profile but with the bottle itself.
"We discovered the most beautiful foghouse at Bennachie that overlooks a waterfall.
It’s tricky to locate but worth it when you find it. It inspired us to craft flavours that would be instrumental in evoking a memory and transporting you to a special place, as a reminder of what makes you happy. We call it a little bit of escapism in a glass.
"As gin evolves and the global gin boom continues with a record number of bottles sold last year, palates are becoming more distinguished as do the bottles that house them.
"Foghouse Spirits is proud to have created a unique bottle design in a matt finish for those gin lovers who like to retain and reuse the bottles.
“We’ve employed a team of experts behind Foghouse to really promote this new gin. As a result, we’ve already had interest from pubs, bars, hotels and restaurants that want to stock it. The plan is to cement Foghouse gin into the market and start working on creating the rest of the range next.”
People who want to find out more about the new gin can purchase a tasting set on the website, www.wearefoghouse.com where a limited number of samples are being released.
Mike added: "It’s a chance to discover the journey of Foghouse, more about the flavour profiles that went into making this unique gin as well as a 10 per cent discount code to purchase the full bottle afterwards."
It's recommended to serve the Foghouse gin with a favourite tonic and garnished with a sprig of rosemary and twist of orange to accentuate its Mediterranean notes.
