Edinburgh distiller’s bespoke beverage for The Balmoral

Edinburgh hotel The Balmoral has partnered with a local distillery to put an own-label gin behind its bar.

Following a two-year collaboration with the Old Curiosity Distillery, the hotel has unveiled Baile Mhoireil, a gin inspired by Scotland’s landscapes and culture. Its Gaelic name means ‘majestic dwelling’, in honour of the grand hotel in Edinburgh city centre.

The gin features botanicals including rosemary, dill, sage, chamomile, anise and lemon verbena which have been harvested from the Old Curiosity Distillery, a stone’s throw from the city. Its creators say it pairs well with tonic, dried grapefruit, a sprig of rosemary and a spritz of lemon verbena.

Cameron Matthews, The Balmoral’s gin ambassador, said: “It’s a real pleasure to serve a quality gin like Baile Mhoireil in Bar Prince. It was our vision to create a sustainable gin while supporting this incredible local supplier.

“Gin has become a very popular spirit and we are seeing more discerning customers asking for a specific flavour profile. After two years of development with the Old Curiosity Distillery it has been a privilege to create our own spirit to meet the needs of our guests. The bottle design is a nod to the hotel’s history and will also make for a beautiful memento for our guests.”

Hamish Martin, Scottish herbologist and owner and founder of the Secret Herb Garden and the Old Curiosity Distillery, said: “We are so proud to partner up with The Balmoral to create this truly beautiful gin. It has taken time, many experiments and a passion to deliver and as we are only six miles away, it doesn’t get more local than that. It is also brilliant to be able to showcase what botanics can be grown here in Edinburgh.”

To celebrate the launch of Baile Mhoireil, The Balmoral is offering a new gin tasting experience with cocktails devised by the hotel’s gin ambassador. Guests can purchase a bottle of Baile Mhoireil to take home from The Balmoral’s Bar Prince, priced at £12.50 for a 5cl bottle or £47.50 for a 50cl bottle.