GINS & malts
enliven your senses GINS To say that gin has undergone a bit of a renaissance in the UK is a bit of an understatement. ABOUT GIN What you need to know There s been an explosion of craft distilleries in the last few years with GINS HOW TO SERVE Makes for the best way to enjoy Scotland now producing some cracking gins with incredible flavour. So, as gin is our best-selling spirit and gin and tonic our best-selling serve, we simply had to create a list showcasing the best of the best. Most are Scottish, but there are a few other worthy additions from our English cousins. When perusing our gin list, you ll find out which botanicals are used to give each gin its own unique character and how they shape the overall taste and smell. Perfect serves for every gin are there if you want to drink it the way the producers intended. BOTANICALS The wonder stuff that give each gin its own distinctive flavour And, where we think we ve discovered a serve that's pretty special, we ve put it on there too! Bottoms up! FAVOURITE A little Thistle flair, these are our own unique serves
GINS GINS AVIATION GIN CAORUNN Aviation takes advantage of the rich floral and savoury notes of unconventional botanicals to create a delicate blend of floral, sweet and spice with a clean finish. Pronounced Ka-roon, Caorunn is a beautifully versatile and refreshing London dry gin with a fresh, floral aroma and a crisp dry finish. Juniper sarsaparilla, lavender, elletaria cardamom. Rowan berry, juniper, heather and coul blush apple. Tonic water and a wedge of lime or lemon. Tonic water, ice and red apple slices. BATHTUB GIN 3.50 CROSSBILL An award-winning gin made in ultra-small batches resulting in an extraordinary flavour, which is both bold and perfumed with the initial focus being juniper and orange blossom with a spicy yet sweet finish. A celebration of Scottish rosehip and juniper berries. Crossbill is a handcrafted dry gin produced uniquely with 100% Scottish juniper and rose hip found in the ancient Caledonian pine forests. Juniper, cardamom, cinnamon and orange peel. Only rosehip and juniper. With tonic, ice and an orange wedge. Tonic water, ice and a wedge of orange. BROKERS Made with the finest herbs, fruit and spices Brokers gin is blended to be dry, not unlike the British sense of humour. A deliciously smooth gin with a long and bittering finish. Juniper, coriander seed, nutmeg, cinnamon, citrus peel. Tonic, ice and a lemon or lime wedge. BROOKLYN GIN Double gold medal-winning Brooklyn Gin is made in small batches in New York using fresh citrus peel and hand-cracked juniper to make a beautiful gin with floral and citrus notes. Juniper, eureka lemon, Persian lime, cumquat, cocoa nibs, lavender. Over ice with tonic and a wedge of lime. 3.50 DAFFY S Carefully balanced with eight botanicals Daffy s is a smooth, fresh and vibrant gin with an oaky mouthfeel. Truly enchanting until the end. Lebanese mint, juniper, citrus peel and orris root. Tonic water, ice and lime wedges. DEATH S DOOR Death s Door showcases how a complex character is created using a surprisingly simple mix of botanicals to produce a spicy, citrusy yet soft gin with a cooling finish. Wild Washington Island juniper, fennel and coriander. On the rocks or with tonic water.
GINS GINS EDEN MILL LOVE EDINBURGH GIN S ELDERFLOWER LIQUEUR 3.00 A renowned pink gin, with a fruity floral aroma and a stunning pink colour. Hints Handmade in Scotland using freshly picked elderflower to create an aromatic, of berry and citrus. summery liqueur. Juniper, hibiscus, rose petals, elderberry and marshmallow root. Juniper, coriander, orris root and heather. Tonic water, ice and a wedge of pink grapefruit. Try swapping tonic water for an elderflower tonic, which complements the sweetness of this gin s floral notes. Tonic water, with ice and soda; simply on its own or with prosecco. For a Summer lilt try Edinburgh Gin s Elderflower Liqueur with a shot of Edinburgh Gin, topped up with ice, soda or apple juice and slices of apple and cucumber delicious! EDEN MILL OAK EDINBURGH GIN S RASPBERRY LIQUEUR A fruity liqueur handmade in Scotland combining Edinburgh Gin, juicy 3.00 Matured in oak-aged beer casks, this gin carries hints of vanilla and caramel. Light Perthshire raspberries and cane sugar. amber in colour with hints of bronze. Juniper, coriander, orris root and heather. Juniper berries, oak-aged chips, angelica root, lemon balm. Soda water; tonic water; simply on its own or with prosecco. Over ice, or if you need it sweetened up, try it with ginger beer, which brings out the Mix with bitter lemon to add a sharp sweetness. woodiness and spice. EDINBURGH GIN S RHUBARB & GINGER LIQUEUR 3.00 EDINBURGH GIN Who would have thought you could bottle Edinburgh? Edinburgh Gin tantalises your taste buds with hints of citrus peel, heather and milk thistle to create a delectable gin. 3.10 A nostalgia-inducing, rose-hued tipple. Tangy spring crop rhubarb, lemon zest and oriental ginger are infused with Edinburgh Gin to create the perfect summer (or winter) tipple. Juniper, coriander, orris root and heather. Juniper, coriander, orris root and heather. Soda water; tonic water; simply on its own or with prosecco. Tonic water, ice and a wedge of orange. For the sweet toothed, try with lemonade and a wedge of orange for the sunshine taste of summer.
GINS GINS FIFTY POUNDS 3.50 minus 33 3.50 An assertive London Dry with a classic aroma of piney juniper and lemon. The name comes from the time of George II and the 1736 Gin Act when a 50 tax was levied on those wishing to produce and sell gin (oh no!). Juniper, lemon, bitter orange and liquorice root. Tonic water, ice and a wedge of lemon. GIN MARE From Vilanova, Spain, Gin Mare epitomises the Mediterranean spirit. It s herbaceous, fragrant, aromatic and savoury with a light sweetness. Rich and juicy with a refreshing finish. Juniper, arbequina olive, citrus and cardamom. Fever-tree Mediterranean Tonic, ice and a wedge of lime or lemon or rosemary sprig. HENDRICKS A wondrous botanical signature consisting of flowers, roots, fruits and seeds from the world over; extraordinarily smooth and full of subtle flavours. Yarrow, juniper, elderflower, chamomile and citrus peel. Tonic water, ice and cucumber slices. Add some pepper to bring out the floral botanicals. 3.50 Unapologetically unconventional Minus 33 is flawless, made with care and consideration and made in a lab! This is a unique artisan juniper-based spirit which comes in at 33%ABV. Although it can t technically be called a gin, it s deliciously smooth and bursting with flavour. Juniper, citrus peel, lavender and elderflower. Tonic water, ice and a wedge of orange. nb gin This well-balanced gin, which is made in North Berwick uses 100% British grain spirit and eight carefully selected botanicals to create a refreshing gin with sparks of citrus. Lemon peel, juniper, cassia bark and cardamom. Tonic water, ice and a lemon or orange wedge. NEW YORK DISTILLING COMPANY, DOROTHY PARKER As vivacious as its namesake (famous NYC writer and gin lover!), this is a spectacular gin made with traditional and contemporary botanicals; juniper led with floral and earthy notes. Juniper, elderberries, hibiscus petals and citrus peel. Tonic water, ice and a wedge of lime. 3.30 KING OF SOHO The bold and colourful bottle encapsulates Soho and its anything goes attitude. This super premium London Dry is bespoke, soft-bodied and smooth with a clean and gentle nose that opens up to reveal classic juniper and pine notes with a refreshing zest of citrus oil. A modern classic embodying the spirit of Soho. Juniper, coriander, citrus peel, cassia. Tonic water, ice and a pink grapefruit wedge. Fever-tree Elderflower Tonic with a pink grapefruit wedge. 3.7 0 PICKERING S Made at Edinburgh s Summerhall, Pickering's is a clean and fresh gin based on an old Bombay recipe. It's strongly aromatic with hints of lavender and liquorice. Fennel, juniper, cloves and cardamom. Tonic water, ice and pink grapefruit. Try an elderflower tonic to bring out this gin s sweetness and softness.
GINS GINS PORTOBELLO ROAD 3.30 ST GEORGE TERROIR GIN An old-style, no-nonsense London Dry gin containing traditional botanicals and Forest driven and earthy, Terroir is a profoundly aromatic gin with a real sense spices that reveal a dry, fresh and cleansing character with a hint of citrus. of place. Terroir gin takes you on a magical journey through the Juniper, liquorice root, nutmeg and lemon peel. Californian woodlands. Tonic water, ice and a wedge of pink grapefruit. Douglas Fir, Californian Bay laurel, coriander seeds and citrus peel. Switch up your tonic to Fever-tree Elderflower for some added sweetness. On the rocks or with tonic water. plymouth sloe 3.10 silent pool Silent Pool is a classic gin at heart, with a full-bodied and fresh depth and flavour. A clear character of mellow sloe berries, fruity with notes of sweet cherry. Full-bodied with the perfect balance of sweet and dry. Long, fresh and fruity. Produced with 24 botanicals, Silent Pool is clean, rich and juniper heavy with floral layers and fresh notes of citrus. Juniper berries, coriander seed, orange and lemon peel. Kaffir lime, lavender, juniper and chamomile. Over ice to sip. If not add a dash of soda. Tonic water, ice and a lime wedge. rock rose SIR ROBIN OF LOCKSLEY GIN Named in honour of local legend, Robin Hood, Locksley Gin exudes a radiant flavour Rock Rose gets its name from Rhodiola Rosea - a rose in the rocks. It's a flavourful, profile, containing traditional botanicals and more delicate notes. A smooth and truly zesty gin with a long, smooth finish. delicious affair! Juniper, Rhodiola rosea, sea buckthorn and rowan berries. Elderflower, cassia, dandelion and pink grapefruit. Tonic water, ice and a wedge of orange. Tonic water, ice and a pink grapefruit wedge. Try with Fever-tree Mediterranean tonic, which brings out the citrus and berry notes. Swap for Fever-tree Elderflower tonic.
mixers Fever-tree Mixers Ginger Beer 1.75 Ginger Ale 1.75 Bitter Lemon 1.75 Premium Indian Tonic Water 1.75 Naturally Light Tonic Water 1.75 Elderflower Tonic Water 1.75 Mediterranean Tonic Water 1.75 Bottled Water San Pellegrino Sparkling Water: 1.75 Acqua Panna Mineral Water: 1.50 fresh juice Cranberry: dash 0.70, glass 1.80 Orange: dash 0.70, glass 1.80 Apple: dash 0.70, glass 1.80 Traditional Draft Mixers Coke: dash 0.70, glass 1.60, pint 2.20 Diet Coke: dash 0.70, glass 1.60, pint 2.20 Soda Water: dash 0.70, glass 1.60, pint 2.20 Lemonade (Schweppes): dash 0.70, glass 1.60, pint 2.20 Tonic Water (Schweppes): dash 0.70, glass 1.60, pint 2.20 Traditional Bottled Mixers Coke: 2.00 Diet Coke: 2.00 Rose Lemondae: 2.00 Tomato Juice: 1.25
enliven your senses GLEN SCOTIA 21 CAMPBELTOWN 8.00 There are around 100 active malt whisky distilleries in Scotland - that s an Ground mixed nuts and spice. Hints of citrus rind and toffee. awfie lot of miles to cover so why bother when you can get your hands on Treacle and hints of gingernut biscuits. Tropical fruit and malt. smell over 40 different right here at The Thistle Street Bar. So take a seat and take a peek at our range. Creamy, sweet finish with manuka honey and toasted pecans. What you get on the nose 'The grape, the grain but never the twain - well we wouldn t dare comment on that, but when it comes to the art of making wine and whisky, the truth LONGROW PEATED 4.95 is that they aren t worlds apart. Much in the way that the 'terroir' influences the DNA of a wine, whisky is intrinsically connected to the land from which Salt and a leathery smokiness come to the fore in a maritime combination, like a Harbourmaster's jacket. taste What you get in the mouth it is produced and so you ll find that each region has its own distinctive flavour signature, owed in most part to the natural environment. Islay, for example, have a trademark peaty style, whereas in the North Highlands, their character is dry and light, with a trace of saltiness that comes from the Light and sweet with notes of green grapes and rhubarb, a great contrast to the nose. Then comes a big blast of smoke. That salty smokiness returns from the nose providing a deeply satisfying ending. coastal locations of the distilleries. With all this choice, how will you know what you like? Well, we ve made SPRINGBANK 10 4.00 it easy for you. As well as splitting our range by region - and we cover all The nose is big-bodied with oaked aridity. The peat is present and quite pungent with six whisky regions in Scotland - we ve highlighted the aroma and taste an earthen rootiness. Notes of exotic fruits and a hint of salinity. finish What you get when you swallow profiles of every malt in the range. So, with help like that, you can t really go wrong. Slainte! Full-bodied with a good helping of cereal sweetness. There is a richness to the peat, with a dark nuttiness and whirling smoke. Long and crisp with a coastal tang and a trailing peat with oaked dryness.
islay islay ARDBEG 10 3.90 BOWMORE 15 (DARKEST) 4.00 Peat, ashes and sea air. Fresh and fruity, mostly apple and citrus notes. Leathery sherry notes, burnt sugar and medicinal edges with coconut and Full-bodied smoky and sweet. Nicely oily with hints of apple and lime then fresh vanilla appearing. coffee towards the finish. Fruit and peat smoke with grapefruit and some floral touches, balanced by menthol Peaty with a touch of vanilla, getting grassier towards the end. and green leaves. Woody spice and green apple. ARDBEG UIGEADAIL 5.00 Chocolate, caramel and barley sugars combined with dates, raisins and smooth BOWMORE 18 6.30 sherry notes. Sweet, chewy and oily with a silky mouthfeel. Initially sweet almost treacle-like followed by a honey roast taste. Light fragrant smoke, butterscotch, nectarine and ferns. Sweet floral notes with sugary flowers and an oily mouthfeel. Long, both sweet and dry with traces of honey and treacle. Sweet with floral notes and a touch of sawdust. BOWMORE 12 3.60 BUNNAHABHAIN 12 4.30 Appetising combo of smoke and caramelised pineapple. Fresh, sweet, seaweed and malt. Lovely smokiness with pineapple, peach and mango. Soft and subtle with a little sweetness. Notes of nuts, sultanas and slightly coastal. Soft and relaxing with the smoke gently fading. A balanced salty tang with a sherry and herbal finish.
islay islay BUNNAHABHAIN 18 9.70 LAGAVULIN 16 5.20 Salted caramel leading to sticky toffee pudding sprinkled with nutmeg. With time a leathery quality emerges. One of the smokiest from Islay: it's big! Very concentrated with sweet spices, mature sherry and vanilla. Dense, rich sherried notes perked up with a coastal saltiness. On a second wave roast chestnuts emerge and gentle wood spice. Woodspice becomes mixed spice. The finish is warming and lengthy; salt and sherry towards the very end. Very thick and rich. Fruity sweetness, oak, sherry and peat. Long, spicy finish with figs, peat, smoke and vanilla. CAOL ILA 12 Intensely rich with toffee and traces of violet. 3.90 LAPHROAIG 10 Light in texture with notes of vanilla, toffee and pear with a hint of ash. Slightly sweet, which ends quickly leaving ash, tar and peat. Deep smoke with tar notes and phenol. Balanced with sweet vanilla and fruity notes. Medicinal. Powerful, robust and peppery. Becomes sweeter with a salty edge. Hints of toffee CAOL ILA 18 Subtle with hints of peat, vanilla and liquorice. 6.10 and caramel. Long and hot. Smoky with a hint of gasoline. Creamy texture with notes of almonds, vanilla and pineapple. Subtle yet long with peat and a touch of pineapple. KILCHOMAN Peaty, earthy and rich followed by red berries and citrus with a medicinal hit developing along the way. Crumbly biscuits and vanilla followed by smoky peat and sherry-soaked berries. Sweet and smoky right until the end. 5.80 LAPHROAIG Select Classic, medicinal peat notes up front, supported by citrusy, chocolaty sweet notes and soft barley. The peat is there, but it's taking it easy and letting the bright notes of lemon, green apples and mint stand out. Darker baking spice notes develop further on. Medium length, peat remaining in sight until it's over. 4.00
HIGHLANDs HIGHLANDs ABERFELDY 12 3.60 DALMORE 15 5.90 Creamy with sherried fruit and a hint of smoke. Sherry, chocolate and orange. Full-bodied, spicy and rich. Notes of toffee with a creamy, malty feel. Zesty orange, chocolate, winter spice and ginger. Hints of anise and hickory. Caramel and honey with lingering sweet spices. Malted barley and espresso. Arran 10 4.60 DALWHINNIE 15 6.60 Herbal, biscuity, hedgerow greenness and dried grass, like a long British summer's afternoon. Aromatic; toffee, nectarine and custard with floral notes of apple blossom and honeysuckle, plus a touch of smoke. Sweet. Quite malty, digestive biscuits, followed by green fruits and Cox's apple peel. Malty combining walnuts and vanilla with a gentle smoke and a dash of spice. Slightly bitter maltiness. Long and malty with hints of walnuts and almonds. BALBLAIR 1999 The sherry oak takes hold of the nose with thick slices of warm Christmas cake and juicy raisins. 7.70 deanston 12 Light, cereals, zesty orange marmalade and barley. 4.50 Sherry spices still at the fore, though the vanilla sweetness from the bourbon barrel shines through, as does some warm, oaky touches. Full and long. Soft, nutty, caramel. Touch of salinity. Oak. Soft, quite abrupt, caramel. DALMORE 12 Warm coffee, roasting beans, butter and orange. 4.10 deanston 18 Cream crackers and sunflower oil with a little green mango and more vanilla sweetness with lemon sugar and golden syrup. 7.90 Seville marmalade, winter spices, cocoa and milk chocolate. Sweet, a citrus aspect with grapefruit and oranges. Vanilla and honeycomb. Medium, orange peel and spice. Slightly nutty with a little grind of nutmeg.
HIGHLANDs HIGHLANDs GLENDRONACH 12 4.15 HIGHLAND PARK 12 Rich cereals, struck match, raisin, cinnamon, caramelised sugar. Fresh, clean and aromatic. Floral notes with a light grassiness, honey and juicy sweetness. Fruits, peels, buttery. Pain au chocolat, a little marmalade on toast before becoming firmer and nuttier with spiced raisins. Full with a pleasant subtlety and tang of grilled orange and green tea. Smoky toffee and nut brittle. Quite long and peppery with spices and wood shavings. GLENMORANGIE 10 Fruity and thick with rich notes of lemon, nectarine and spices. Fresh and balanced exuding vanilla, tiramisu and creamy toffee. Long and gentle. Malty and very fruity. 3.40 HIGHLAND PARK 18 Ripe floral notes and fresh blossom. Creamy and full of fruit conserves and espresso. Cinnamon, allspice, toffee and citrus. Long and sugary with a herbal edge. 6.50 HIGHLAND PARK DARK ORIGINS 5.60 LEDAIG 10 Quite light and well balanced. Soft peat and gentle smoke, a hint of iodine with notes of 4.50 Dusty baking spices and cocoa. Vanilla, cinnamon and dates. dried fruit and nuts. Sweet fragrant peat emerges with nutty melted chocolate and orange. Medium bodied and quite rich. Notes of spice and oak. Dry peat and earthy. Long and sweet with dry chocolate and a hint of heather smoke. Medium length, slightly smoky with spice.
HIGHLANDs HIGHLANDs OLD PULTENEY 12 4.00 TALISKER 10 3.65 Crisp and clean with notes of herbs, parsley and almonds Thick and pungent smoke. Seaweed, apple peel fresh and fragrant. Balanced with medium body, nutty sultanas, spices and oak. Full-bodied and smoky with peppery peat. Medium finish with oak and spices. Long finish with barley and malt. OLD PULTENEY 17 5.90 TALISKER 57 NORTH 6.80 Clean and fresh. Hints of honeydew melon and hot cross buns. Creamy and smoky. Pungent and full. Sour citrus, rich peat smoke, peppered oak and sea spray. Full and sweet with sugary citrus peel and honeycomb. Thick and full. Creamy honey, oak and spice. Plenty of dry wood. Long with a herbal edge and chewy oak. Long with black pepper and dry oak. ROYAL LOCHNAGAR 17 Planed wood, light toffee, boat varnish. Linseed oil behind, even putty, and later 4.45 TOBERMORY 10 3.50 lychee-like acidity. Light and fresh with notes of barley sugars, winter spice and soft oak. Pleasant; an initial sweetness is quickly overtaken by acidity. Sweet and light. Notes of honey, cinnamon and oak. Dry; medium-length, with an attractive lingering sandalwood aftertaste. Long and herbal with a touch of pepper.
lowlands speyside AUCHENTOSHAN 12 4.50 AULTMORE 12 4.40 Cereals and exotic fruit. Very fresh and vibrant. Clean refreshing notes of apple and pear and some aromatic Tannins, sweet barley and vanilla. Dry and long with sweetness from the barley. floral notes. Richer than expected, yet still soft and fruity. Sweet pastry notes. Clean and measured with the soft fruits gently receding. AUCHENTOSHAN AMERICAN OAK 6.50 BALVENIE 12 3.90 Citrus fruit, toffee and milk chocolate. Supple nuttiness intertwined with spices. Honey, sultanas and grapes. Citrus peel and peaches, with oak spice. Sweet with good body. Bourbon characters develop; gentle spice with light vanilla. Lasting notes of grapefruit and toffee. Hint of peat and dried fruit. Spicy, sweet and slightly drying. GLENKINCHIE 12 4.2 0 BALVENIE 14 5.90 Light yet fragrant. Notes of fresh cereal and barley sweetness. Rich aroma with tropical fruits and creamy toffee. Fruit and honey with a gentle warmth. Sweet stewed fruits with a tannic oak lining. Sweet vanilla forms a creamy palate. Notes of apple, mango and citrus. Medium length with notes of cereal and freshness. A lingering vanilla note.
speyside speyside BALVENIE 21 9.60 GLENFIDDICH 12 3.60 Elegant, light smoke and white peach. Slightly floral, orchard fruit, malty tones and citrus fruit. Delicate and fine. Red fruit, raisins and honey. Light and smooth with floral spices. A graceful finish with a slightly bitter cocoa note. Sweet, oily with a touch of oak and fruit. BENROMACH 10 Dry, barley, big on malt and oak. Dry pine, fruity. A tad spirity. Sweet spices after a time and a hint of puckering prune from the sherry cask and maple fudge. Barley, slightly herbal, a little fruit, grassy. Big on malt, ground ginger. 3.85 GLENFIDDICH 15 Fresh flowers and blossom. Summery and crisp with a peppery edge. Hints of custard and almond. Malt, very creamy with more of those blossom notes. Now it s all rather spicy with hints of dark, rich fruit, black pepper and cinnamon. Good sherry character too. 4.40 Mouthwateringly bittersweet. Ginger, dry sherry, almost hoppy after a while. Good sweetness, long and lush. CRAIGELLACHIE 13 4.20 GLENFIDDICH 18 5.00 Big tropical fruit aromas followed by sweet and savoury notes. Barbecue smoke and Demerara sugar. Sweet fruit with savoury smokiness. Punchy and full-flavoured. Refreshing and tropical. Smoked notes gently fade. Fruit, zesty grapefruit, toffee apples, chocolate and cinnamon. Rich notes of dried apricot, cinnamon, toffee and ginger. Peels and salted toffee. GLENFARCLAS 105 Great depth. Sherry meets smoky coffee. Creamy and nutty. 5.90 GLENROS VINTAGE RESERVE That citrus certainly comes through but soon richer, honeyed fruit cake with fresh red cherry emerges. 4.45 Spicy and peppery oak, almond praline, dried peels and fruity. More red berries and nutty, light fruit cake, apple skin and creamy caramels. Long, peppery and nutty. Sweet nuts, honey and lemon and a hint of cranberry.
speyside MACALLAN GOLD Lemon citrus and orange peel with a sweet softness. Vanilla, dark chocolate and light oak notes. Citrus, ginger, cinnamon and soft oak tones. Medium sweet, malty and slightly dry. MACALLAN AMBER 6.00 Aromatic vanilla, lemon and hints of ginger, milk chocolate and raisins. Thick and fruity. Dates, apple peel and cinnamon. Fragrant oak with a lingering suggestion of mince pies. MACALLAN SIENNA Orange peel, vanilla and hot cross buns. Raisins and dried apricot. Frozen currants. Fruity and slightly spiced. 9.00 39 Thistle Street Edinburgh, EH2 1DY T: 0131 225 1664 F: @ThistleStreetBarEdinburgh BAR
GINS & malts