A distiller and an artisan coffee roaster in Scotland have announced a collaboration in limited-edition spirit Gin Bean.
Shetland Reel Gin partnered with Cairngorm Leaf & Bean to create the London dry-style gin, which is distilled with the roaster’s El Salvador SHG ‘Cuzcachapa’ single origin coffee.
The collaboration came about during the Covid-19 pandemic as a means of mutual support, while the end product is marketed as one to enjoy with friends and family.
Debbie Strang, director of Shetland Reel, said: “We always endeavour to work closely with other businesses but lockdown gave us an opportunity to try something different.
“We’ve often wondered whether a hint of coffee in our London Dry Gin would work, and we loved the idea of people coming together after lockdown, whether it was for a coffee or a gin. So, what better way of celebrating than with a combination of both gin and coffee?
“We looked to Cairngorm Leaf & Bean who produce excellent roasted coffee in the Scottish Highlands and the idea grew from there.
“Small businesses understand each other and the stresses and strains that we are all working within, and much of the gin development was done by short notice texts, tastings and on the spot decisions. But it worked, and we have a fabulous new gin to share with everyone.”
Cairngorm Leaf & Bean owner Steven Anderson added: “We were delighted when Debbie and the Shetland Reel team suggested working on a new product together. As a small artisan business based in the north of Scotland, we know how vital it is to work with and support other producers.”
Only 500 bottles of Gin Bean have been produced and are available to buy exclusively from the Shetland Reel website and the Unst distillery. There are also 50 limited-edition Gin Bean Bundles available, which include a 500ml bottle of Gin Bean, a Shetland Reel mug and 150g of the coffee.
Shetland Reel and Cairngorm Leaf & Bean recommend serving the new tipple over ice with Fever-Tree tonic water and a slice of orange peel, or enjoying it neat to make the most of its mocha-coffee aromas and flavours.
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