Limited Edition Spiritual Spirit

The island of Colonsay, off the west coast of Scotland, is home to less than 150 inhabitants. Two of these islanders are husband and wife, Finlay and Eileen Geekie – founders of Wild Thyme Spirits. In 2016 the couple moved from their Oxfordshire home of over 30 years to the remote Hebridean isle, and their dream of returning home to live on a Scottish island was realised. While many other brands around them were looking for new and unusual botanicals, Wild Thyme Spirits purposefully took the traditional route to create their London Dry. “Respecting tradition”, with angelica root, calamus root and coriander joining the juniper to make a classic lineup for the foundations. While other botanicals are present, these are guarded by ALVA – a Brownie (or spirit) who landed on Colonsay when her Viking boat crashed into rocks on the island. Taking shelter on Tigh na Uruisg {tee-na-oor-isk}, or Home of the Spirit, she remains here to this day. Using her supernatural powers, ALVA guards the recipe for Colonsay Gin and with an “alchemist’s touch she transforms humble botanicals into gin.” On the nose, piney juniper is at the forefront whilst the rooty botanicals bring earthy flavours whilst subtly sweet. To taste, the juniper again takes centre stage whilst warming spice, orange citrus and gingery heat. The finish continues to be warming with elements of citrus continuing through. The recommended serve is with lots of ice, a quality tonic and a twist of orange peel. The tonic tones downs some of the spice and heat whilst lifting the citrus to allow for a refreshing serve. I also served it up in a negroni which carries the warmth and earthy bitterness for a long enjoyable sip. The original bottle design captures ALVA beautifully amongst the crashing waves. For the special edition, the brand commissioned Chris Panatier to redesign ALVA in a wonderful, full-colour, extravagant shot. Each limited edition bottle comes with its own numbered print of the artwork which is absolutely stunning and will look great in my gin room. There's also a chance to win a weekend stay in their Gin Lovers retreat if your bottle number is drawn when all 300 of the bottles are sold!