Biggar - a gin made for Big(gar) things
Biggar is a small-scale gin. One could say that's a contradictory statement. Let me explain. It's about a mindset and ethos. By concentrating on keeping production small, keeping it rare, and keeping the fire and passion alive for what you are creating, you end up with a great spirit.
Big in flavor, big in character. Biggar's original gin is just that. A business idea conceived during a family holiday, Biggar is a family affair. One evening, two Scottish brothers, Euan and Stewart McVicar, spent the night sampling and discussing all things gin. Late-night musings and libations led to the course of their destiny being changed the following day. They would set themselves the challenge of creating a gin that they would like to drink, and others would enjoy that. Based in the Tinto Hills, Scotland, the gin gets its name from Biggar's nearby small town. The hilly landscape also inspired the brothers to use local botanicals in this original gin, such as rosehip and nettles and the classical gin duo of juniper and orange. Initially joining forces with Strathearn Distillery, they now have their very own distillery where they refine processes and adapt modern distilling methods to produce this fine gin. Biggar's original is smooth and well-balanced. It starts with a sweetness on the palate and has a lovely citrus frisson and a creamy juniper oiliness. The finish is slightly floral and lingers on the tongue. I enjoyed it with a slimline tonic and fresh orange peel, followed by a serving with cardamon and pink peppercorns, which brought out the spicier elements of this gin. I have also previously tried their Biggar Strength gin. At 57%, it packs a punch and remains as creamy as the original. The Original and Biggar Strength are produced in small batches of 200 bottles, staying true to their small scale, big quality mindset. Even more exclusive is their latest limited edition, which I would also love to try—the Clyde Valley Plum recipe gin. The original gin has been infused with plums grown locally in the Clyde Valley, South Lanarkshire. I'm smacking my lips with the thought of a plum negroni! Whatever style you prefer, I think you will be delighted with any of these gins.
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