I’m proud to support International Scottish Gin Day, and this year I’m continuing my support by taking a closer look at a few of Scotland’s incredible variety of distilleries and their gins. Nàdar means ‘nature’ in gaelic, and with this gin Arbikie Distillery near Arbroath on the east coast of Scotland, have created the world’s first climate positive gin – taking more carbon in, that it puts out.
Every bottle of the limited edition experimental batch produced removes 1.54kg of CO2 thanks to the innovative techniques and thinking behind the gin. By using peas as the base, rather than traditional grains, Arbikie have been able to avoid needing additional nitrogen-based fertilisers as peas take all they need from the air. It takes about 4,500 peas to create a bottle of Nadar gin, and all the waste from the distillation process is used as feed for their cows, or neighbouring cows. They make their own base spirit, grow their own botanicals, including juniper, on the farm, and even the water comes from their underground reservoir.
You’ve heard of grain to glass, but this is taking it to the next level as field to bottle!
Tasting it neat I was really surprised with how smooth and creamy it feels, which just shows the difference the pea-based spirit makes. With botanicals including lemongrass (a particular favourite of mine) and makrut lime leaf, I was perhaps expecting something immediately more spiky and citrusy. When mixed with tonic you get an eminently drinkable G&T, with the creaminess continuing, and more of those soft refreshing citruses given a platform to dance across your taste buds. Add a slice of fresh ginger for their perfect serve (also great with lime), and feels like it wouldn’t be out of place being sipped on the beach.
I love the label design too, setting itself apart from the rest of the Arbikie range almost as it’s own sub-brand with the beautiful hand painted style font.
Innovation like this is so great to see in an increasingly busy market, not only to differentiate their product but also show the positive impact that can be made with different farming techniques. Arbikie have shown with Nadar (gin and with a vodka out now too) that by thinking differently, you can make an impact, and I for one hope this is a limited edition that becomes part of their main range going forward.
Find out more about International Scottish Gin Day which will be taking place on 2 October 2021, or order a bottle of Arbikie’s limited edition Nàdar gin.
Watch out for more International Scottish Gin Day features including Isle of Harris gin, Mackintosh gin, and more.