Each year, Blackwoods Vintage Gin evolves, capturing the essence of Scotland’s rugged coastline. The 2021 vintage is crafted using hand-selected botanicals, including kelp, sweet water mint, and bright, citrusy sea buckthorn, delivering a distinctive Scottish character in every sip.
Distilled in Scotland using a juniper-forward London Dry style, this gin is expertly balanced with notes of fresh grapefruit, lime, aromatic fennel, and a touch of black pepper, creating a refreshing citrus profile with subtle spice.
For the perfect serve, enjoy over ice with premium tonic water and a generous wedge of pink grapefruit.
- Aromatic and spicy: It opens with citrus and herbal notes, including lemon, followed by hints of heather, ginger spice, and a subtle, salty sea note.
- Botanical blend: While it contains classic gin botanicals like juniper, it also features a unique mix of Scottish coastal botanicals such as kelp, sea buckthorn, angelica, and sea water mint.
- Less juniper-forward: Some reviewers note that the juniper is not as dominant as in other gins, making it more accessible to those who don’t typically like gin.
- Gin and tonic: It’s highly recommended for a G&T, with a suggestion to pair it with a grapefruit and bergamot tonic and a pink grapefruit wedge.
- Cocktails: The 60% Navy Strength version is described as having a powerful punch and is ideal for cocktails like a Negroni, where its flavors can stand up to other ingredients.
- Other pairings: It’s also noted to pair well with ginger ale, elderflower tonic, and as a base for a Dirty Martini.
- Smoothness: Many reviewers describe both the 40% and 60% versions as surprisingly smooth, even the higher-proof one.
- Price/Value: Some customers feel it’s a high-quality gin and worth the price, especially for the higher-proof version where you may need less for a strong drink.
- Strength: The 60% Navy Strength version is very strong, and some reviewers suggest it’s best enjoyed sparingly or in a longer drink to appreciate the full flavor without being overpowered by the alcohol.
- Good for adventurous drinkers: Blackwood’s gin is a good choice for those looking for a gin with a unique, botanical-forward flavor that differs from a more traditional London Dry style.
- Versatile mixer: It performs well in a variety of mixed drinks, from a simple G&T to more complex cocktails.
- A “world-class” spirit: Despite some mixed opinions on its strength, the quality is consistently praised by reviewers, who often describe it as a magnificent and high-quality gin.



