GlenWyvis

The GlenWyvis distillery is based on the edge of Dingwall, a small town 20 miles North of Inverness. It was founded in 2015 by John McKenzie, a farmer, green energy advocate, and helicopter pilot who was inspired by former distilleries Ferintosh (referenced by Robert Burns), Glenskiach and Ben Wyvis – the latter two both closing for good in 1926. A crowdfunding appeal in July 2016 raised £2.5million from 2,456 investors in just 77 days, and in 2017 building commenced on the new distillery, which was the first in the world to be 100% community-owned, along with also being powered by 100% green energy.

Distillation of both gin and whisky commenced in 2018 under the initial leadership of distillery manager Duncan Tait, who had previously worked at Teaninich, Knockando and Mortlach. His retirement from the industry in August 2020 saw Matthew Farmer take over the reins – moving across from America to take the role, he was born and bred near Inverness and thus considered a local lad.

Goodwill Gin is made with the maceration of nine botanicals in a base spirit for 24 hours before redistilling - juniper, coriander, angelica root, orris root, orange peel, lemon peel, locally picked hawthorn berries, cinnamon sticks and almond powder. There's a lovely combination of citrus fruit alongside warmer berry notes, accentutated by the almond powder, with a spicy note arriving at the finish. It's a really good Martini gin, particular with a slightly off-dry Vermouth.