In celebration of World Gin Day, Summerhall is hosting The Scottish Juniper Festival from June 12-14 for a weekend-long celebration of what is currently the most fashionable of spirits. Martin Duffy, the Edinburgh event’s founder, is well-known as one the city’s most enthusiastic proponents of the juniper-based drink and looks forward to building upon the success of last year’s inaugural event.
Gin is going through a real moment, and it’s clear to see that the gantries of Edinburgh’s finest bars and the drinks on their cocktail lists have been revolutionised by a new wave of gins. Small-batch, bathtub, craft - independent distillers are cropping up across the whole of Scotland, each with their own secret blend of botanicals.
Gin has moved on from its somewhat 'iffy' reputation of yore, and across the globe, the pursuit of the perfect serve is one taken with due consideration. The brand of tonic water, the shape of the ice, the slice of fruit. These will all have an effect on opening up each individual gin’s aromatic flavour profile. Launched in 2014 and also based at Summerhall, Pickering’s Gin comes recommended with a slice of grapefruit. They will be running tours of their distillery throughout the weekend event.
cyclonebill flickr.com/photos/cyclonebillYour trusty scribe here is all over a dry martini, but whether you prefer yours on the rocks, mixed, or with ice and a slice, the Scottish Juniper Festival promises a programme of events to educate and entertain. There will be scheduled talks throughout the weekend and of course the opportunity to sample an incredible range of Scottish, UK and international gins not to mention tantalising tonic waters too. There will also be a gin shop, selection of street food vendors and craft stalls in the unique Summerhall venue with its buzzy courtyard. Just the tonic, we say.
Scottish Juniper Festival, Friday June 12 - Sunday June 14. Summerhall, Summerhall Place, Edinburgh. Tickets £21.50.
See Time Out's guide to Edinburgh's best gin bars.