Richard Paterson creates Wolfcraig Gin

Scotch producer Wolfcraig has ventured into the gin category with a bottling made by Richard Paterson OBE and Ian MacMillan.

Wolfcraig Gin marks the brand’s first foray into juniper-based spirits, having already debuted its first offering in May – a 30-year-old premium blended whisky.

Renowned master blenders Paterson and MacMillan created the gin, which boasts notes of juniper, orange peel, vibrant lemon and cassia, and is infused with 17 botanicals.

MacMillan said: “Our gin has been designed to impress even the most discerning gin drinkers. Whether paired traditionally with citrus fruit or part of a classic short cocktail, we are really excited about gin lovers exploring its different expressions for the first time through the summer.

“I’m known as a bit of a traditionalist and this is a true pot still distilled premium gin, created by observing the time-honoured methods – this is a unique formulation of botanicals which complement each other in a way that can only be achieved through this most authentic method.

“It was important to Richard and I that our first gin collaboration was high-quality but versatile so it could be enjoyed by everyone from seasoned gin drinkers to casual consumers.”

MacMillan has more than 40 years’ experience in the industry, and has worked with Scotch whisky brands including Bunnahabhain, Tobermory and Deanston, as well as gin brands such as Diageo’s Tanqueray and Gordon’s.

Paterson is widely known for his work with Whyte & Mackay, where he held the role of master blender since 1975.

The two spent several years developing the flavour profile, using the ‘most authentic’ method of gin creation, by combining and distilling botanicals in a copper still rather than adding them in afterwards.

Wolfcraig director Jamie Lunn said: “Anyone in the whisky world will understand what a big deal Richard and Ian bringing their decades of experience into creating their own original premium gin is.”

The gin retails for £39.95 (US$50.82) per bottle, and can be purchased from the Wolfcraig website.

Lunn continued: “There are a lot of gins in the market but we expect there to be a lot of curiosity around what two of the most respected names in the whisky world can do with their first collaboration in gin. This is just the start of Wolfcraig’s journey.

“It is exciting to have our Wolfcraig Gin as part of our original portfolio to set the bar for our products in the drinks space, and we are looking forward to receiving feedback on our juniper-led sophisticated gin as people choose Wolfcraig as their drink of choice coming into the summer months.”

Earlier this year, planning permission for the brand’s multi-million-pound Scotch whisky distillery was rejected by Stirling Council for the second time.

In January this year, Wolfcraig founding director Michael Lunn died following a short illness.