Made in Scotland: Isle of Cumbrae Distillers
We love to find new to us Made in Scotland products and especially a tasty tipple, so finding out about the all female team who run Isle of Cumbrae Distillers was a real joy! They’re based on the West Coast of Scotland in North Ayrshire which is an atmospheric 8 minute ferry ride from Largs on the mainland. Launching during the pandemic of 2020 they’ve faced a real battle but quickly started winning awards for their spirits including Gin Masters, Scottish Gin Awards, Gin Masters and Gin Guide – quite an achievement for such a young business! Read on to find out more about their fascinating story and delicious gins!
The lovely ladies of Isle of Cumbrae Distillers!
Can you tell us how your business got started?
Located on the West Coast of Scotland in the town of Millport, Isle of Cumbrae Distillers is distinctively positioned as one of Scotland’s few all‑female distilling teams, and the region’s only international women’s team, drawing representation from the UK, Canada and the US. Our team of five comprises of Bronwyn, Jenine, Juli, Lynda and Philippa. We met as strangers in 2019, with an idea to help raise funds to save Millport’s historic town hall by launching an island gin distillery. After a successful crowdfund campaign, which raised £25,000, and a large number of supporters, we opened our doors on 16 September 2020 and were one of three Scottish distilleries to successfully open during the pandemic. . While collectively we have decades of business experience between us, we had no association with the food and drinks industry. From distilling, to licensing, to marketing, we have done everything on our own, learning new things every step of the way. In October 2021, we won the Association of Scottish Businesswomen Most Innovative Start‑up and the Ayrshire Businesswomen’s Enterprise of the Year. In 2022 we won the Association of Scottish Businesswomen Most Enterprising Business 2022.
Our brand celebrates Scottish craft gin, and the resilience of Scottish island communities. We are committed to protecting the fragile island environment and follow sustainable practices in our distillery. Our brand also toasts us as women; older women with a ‘yes, I can’ attitude, who decided one day that we were going to open a gin distillery…and did it! We represent the possibilities for older woman; the possibility that you can start a business at any age with a good idea; the possibility that a women can be successful in a male dominated industry; and the possibility that age is, indeed, just a number. Success is about having a good attitude, a plan and passion. Women in their 50’s and 60‘s represent the largest group of gin drinkers and have incredible buying power. Women our age are also seeking products and services that have the potential to serve a larger purpose. As members of this group ourselves, we have the unique opportunity of being able to reach them and determine what they want and need. We are passionate about our community and believe our legacy will be in providing meaningful employment opportunities for our local youth, as well as helping increase tourism for the island
Nostalgin and Croc Rock Gin
Where do you look for inspiration when you are designing new products?
We look to Scotland for inspiration for our gins. Like us, each of our labels have a story and they celebrate the rich Scottish history and culture, the coastal waters and our quaint harbour towns.
Nostalgin celebrates the strong emotional connection and nostalgia Millport holds in so many people’s hearts, especially those who spent their childhood summers here in the 50’s and 60’s. Those who return, now bring their own children and grandchildren, and the connection to the island continues to grow and thrive.
Croc Rock Gin celebrates Millport’s Crocodile Rock, one of the most recognised symbols of the island for over 100 years. Our main botanicals of cacao and ginger symbolise the love we all have for the Croc, while at the same time recognising the potential danger of the crocodile’s bite.
Restoration Gin is a limited-edition release, celebrating the restoration of Millport’s historic town hall, a cherished building for the community since 1878. The label, designed by Millportonian Julie Mapes, inspires us to reflect on our history, from the past to the future. The colours represent Millport’s bright shop fronts.
And finally our latest gin, Maura. An ancient Celtic name meaning ‘Star of the Sea’, Maura celebrates Scotland’s women, who helped shape its history, legends and stories of the sea. We also commemorate St. Maura, who settled on Great Cumbrae in the 7th Century and helped spread Christianity to the West of Scotland. Our Maura label artist, Hope Blamire, is a celebrated Scottish painter (and self-described gin enthusiast!), whose vibrant artwork captures the coastal landscapes and glistening waters of the West Coast of Scotland. Her artwork is featured in galleries and shops across the UK, and in homes throughout the world.
Restoration and Maura Gin
Can you tell us a bit more about how you make your products?
We follow traditional practices for producing gin. We have a 100 litre alembic copper still and the process is all done by hand including the distillation, bottling and labelling.
The Harbour
What are your most popular products and which are your own favourites?
Maura is our most popular gin although all of them are good sellers. The Maura label has been heat pressed onto the glass and is full of stories of Scotland. Find a peek into the stories and symbols on this unique label on our website.
Winter views of the Isle of Cumbrae
If you had to pick one place in Scotland to recommend that people visit, where would it be?
Our beautiful island of Cumbrae…of course!
Isle of Cumbrae views
Which other Scottish Makers do you love to recommend?
Ruth Slater, artist https://www.ruthslaterartist.com/
Beautiful Ruth Slater products
Thanks so much to all the ladies at Isle of Cumbrae Distillers for chatting to us about the beautiful looking and tasting gins they produce! Make sure to check out their Website, Facebook and Instagram to find out more!