Lidl’s Scottish Craft Spirits Festival launched in-store yesterday (11 November) with a curated collection of gin, whisky and rum from the country’s top distillers including everything from fruity gins distilled in Edinburgh to festively fragrant rum from Aberdeen.
Stirling-based Boë Gin hit Lidl shelves for the first time, playing bartender with pre-mixed gin-in-a-tin serves including Violet Gin & Rose Lemonade (£1.69, 5.5% ABV) and Passion Fruit Gin and Sicilian Lemonade (£1.69, 5.5% ABV).
North-east distillery, House of Elrick, further expanded its partnership with Lidl as it launched its range of dark spirits as part of the promotion. This includes the producer’s first batch of Five Year Old Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (£19.99, 40% ABV) – with a festive spiced finish that’s best enjoyed served neat or on the rocks. The selection also includes House of Elrick’s Barrelmans Dark Rum (£18.99, 40% ABV) – a fresh and fragrant rum with rich notes of blood orange and sweet caramel.
Longstanding Lidl supplier, Shetland-based Saxa Vord Distillery joined the line-up once more with its customer favourite Shetland Reel Simmer Gin (£24.99, 49% ABV). A juniper heavy gin with notes of orange and liquorice, Simmer is perfect served with Just The Tonic’s, Scottish Tonic Water (Original or Slimline, £1.49) and a sprig of rosemary.
Also from the islands, Islay Nerabus Gorse Gin (£21.99, 40% ABV) features in the selection offering a clean, crisp spirit with a hint of sweet almond.
The range also includes Red Door Winter Edition Gin (£23.99, 45% ABV) and South Loch Rhubarb New Tom Gin (£19.99, 40%). Meanwhile, those refraining from alcohol are also covered with the return of Lidl’s 0.0% ABV Scottish CeroCero Pink Hibiscus and Lingonberry Gin (£8.99) – ideal for mixing with frozen winter berries for a seasonally-appropriate alcohol-free tipple.
The festival also coincides with Lidl launching a Hortus Christmas Gin (£15.99, 40% ABV) – with notes of frankincense, myrrh, and orange to really claus a stir! The gin also features hints of orange, cinnamon and spicy undertones.
