New gin flaunts unique botanicals

A new “boutique” gin brand, Daffy’s, has launched in the UK, using its unique blend of botanicals – including Lebanese mint – as a way to stand out from the crowd.

The Edinburgh-based gin comprises a mix of flavours “not used by any other gins” according to the producers. With a nod to the more famous Scottish spirit, these botanicals are seeped and distilled in copper pot whisky stills before bottling with Scottish water.

Founded by former winemaker and whisky distiller Chris Molyneaux, the aim of Daffy’s Gin is to create “the finest of London Dry gins” using the same distillation processes as malt whisky in order to make a gin that is “exceptionally good to sip and enjoy straight over ice”.

According to the brand, Daffy’s flavour profile also helps in creating mixed drinks such as gin & tonics and other gin-led cocktails.

Daffy’s is currently stocked in on- and off-trade locations throughout Edinburgh, Glasgow, Belfast and London and it is also available to buy online at daffysgin.com, with an RRP of £34.

The initial distribution strategy is to establish placements at showcase bars and independent off trade stores, according to the brand.

Scott Gibson, from Panda & Sons in Edinburgh, said of Daffy’s, “Daffy’s gin is one of those gins that really grabbed my attention. There are a lot of new small batch gins popping up all over the country – but this one definitely stands out in the crowd.”

The figurehead illustration of Daffy on the bottle was painted in 2014 by Robert McGinnis, the artist behind the Breakfast at Tiffany, James Bond and Barberella posters.

Molyneaux said of Daffy’s, “We are amazingly happy with what we have managed to achieve in creating the very finest and most balanced of gins. We have used innovative malt whisky techniques and meticulously sourced botanicals to discover a new world of complexity and finesse. Daffy’s is a gin like no other and the industry and consumer feedback we have had so far has been overwhelming.”