Rock Rose Gin – made by Scottish small producer Dunnet Bay Distillers – has made the 2021/22 CoolBrands roster of the UK’s coolest brands.
The CoolBrands list has been published annually since 2001. Brands do not pay or apply to be considered. Selection is made by a panel of 49 judges, comprising designers, style experts, media personalities, and prominent names from entertainment, fashion and music.
Martin Murray, who established and runs Dunnet Bay with his wife and business partner, Claire Murray, said: “We have won many coveted awards in the seven years since we launched. The accolade of being invited into the CoolBrands fold along with other Olympians in their own categories is truly an honour and we thank the Panel for choosing our brand.”
The company’s portfolio of Scottish gins celebrates the heritage and provenance of Caithness, using many locally-foraged and home-grown botanicals. These include rowan berries, sea buckthorn, and Rhodiola rosea (a rose in the rocks), after which the Rock Rose brand is named. This ingredient, growing freely on the unspoiled coastal margin, adds a delicate floral note to the gin.
In addition to Rock Rose Original, Dunnet’s other gin expressions including seasonal editions: Navy Strength Rock Rose Gin (ABV 57%), Pink Grapefruit Old Tom Gin and Citrus Coastal Edition Gin.
Sustainability is at the heart of the business and Dunnet says it is the first company in its sector to offer spirits in eco-friendly, fully-recyclable pouches which are customers use to refill Rock Rose’s signature ceramic bottles.
Martin Murray added: “The company is sustainable through and through and, unusually for a small business, this year we appointed a dedicated Environment Manager to further improve our already eco-friendly approach to business. From ploughing used botanicals back into the land, to sustainably foraging for or growing our own plants where possible, to using solar panels and carefully managing water, supporting a range of charities, and taking good care of our dedicated team of colleagues, we are proud of our record to date. CoolBrands is more than just ‘another award’. It recognises our brand’s strengths in their entirety.”
