Ben Lomond Gin has unveiled a new limited edition as the first release in its Explorer Series, launched to support the conservation, protection, and restoration of the UK’s wildernesses.
The Explorer Series will be distilled using a selection of foraged botanicals found in some of the UK’s best wild places, protected by conservation charity the John Muir Trust.
Founded in 1983, the Trust is inspired by the life and works of John Muir (1838-1914), the Scots-born founding father of modern conservation and the inspiration behind national parks.
Muir was a prominent advocate of the beauty of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, leading the way for Ben Lomond Gin to take its inspiration from the ‘Beacon Mountain’.
The Schiehallion is the first gin in the Explorer Series, with each expression taking inspiration from some of the UK’s best wild places and limited to 1,000 bottles.
Inspired by the rich botanical life of the Perthshire area, The Schiehallion balances the sweetness of blaeberries and birch leaves with the aromatic notes of wild thyme, while offering subtle undertones of berries and herbal spices.
John Grieveson, Chief Marketing Officer of Ben Lomond Gin owner Loch Lomond Group, commented: “It’s truly been a collaborative project from the start, and we worked closely with the John Muir Trust botanists to create The Schiehallion; the perfect balance of sweet and crisp botanicals inspired by the legends of The Fairy Hill of the Caledonians.”
The John Muir Trust is working to restore native woodlands through its Wild Woods Appeal, starting with the planting of 50,000 trees on Skye and Knoydart. These will include Scots pine, birch and rowan – an essential botanical of Ben Lomond Gin. A direct contribution from every purchase of The Shiehallion will help fund the project.
Tom Corke, the Trust’s East Schiehallion Manager, said: “Ben Lomond Gin’s support will help plant, protect and expand these essential ecosystems across the wild places in our care. This partnership will provide valuable funds for the Trust’s work, while raising awareness of this vital cause.”
Ben Lomond Schiehallion Gin is bottled at 43% ABV and has an RSP of £50. It comes packaged in new Explorer Series branding and includes two Ben Lomond Gin glasses.
