Discover everything you need to know about Downpour Gin and North Uist Distillery right here!

That’s right, in this marvellous feature we are giving you all you need to know about the incredible craft gin distillery behind Downpour Coast & Croft Gin, Craft Gin Club’s November 2022 Gin of the Month, along with the rest of the Downpour Gin range.

From the perfect way to serve Downpour Gin to how it’s made, you need to check this out!

Downpour Coast & Croft Gin

Distilled in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland by North Uist Distillery

40% ABV

How is Downpour Coast & Croft Gin made?

Downpour Coast & Croft Gin is made using botanical ingredients that are local to the Outer Hebrides, including wild thyme, which adds herbaceous notes to the finished gin, and pepper dulse, which adds savoury touches of pepper that are full of umami.

The full list of Downpour Coast & Croft Gin botanicals can be found here: juniper, coriander, lemon, angelica root, pink peppercorn, pepper dulse and wild thyme.

Those botanicals are distilled and then bottled in turquoise glass bottles that have Downpour Gin’s iconic and beautiful bespoke design. The colour turquoise was chosen to match the colour of the sea in the bays around the Outer Hebrides.

What is the inspiration behind the name Downpour Coast & Croft Gin?

“Downpour” reflects the downpour of flavours in each sip of Downpour Gin.

A croft is a patch of land big enough to sustain a family - a place where they can raise livestock and plant crops. They are a key part of what it means to be an islander in the Outer Hebrides. North Uist Distillery wanted to represent their home in this way, choosing wild thyme as a botanical with which to do that.

The coast is a big part of life in the Outer Hebrides too and North Uist Distillery have represented that element of Outer Hebridean life with the botanical pepper dulse.

Together, “coast” and “croft” give gin drinkers a true expression of those wonderful islands between Scotland and the Atlantic Ocean.

Who owns Downpour Gin?

The Downpour Gin range is owned by the North Uist Distillery, which is owned by the distillery founders Kate MacDonald and Jonny Ingledrew.

Where is Downpour Gin made?

All of North Uist Distillery’s Downpour Gin range, including Downpour Coast & Croft Gin, are made at the North Uist Distillery on the Isle of Benbecula in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides.

What does Downpour Coast & Croft Gin taste like?

This Downpour gin has a fresh, green nose of wild thyme, which evokes the Scottish isles. Citrus opens up across the palate, buoyed by the unique umami flavour of pepper dulse. It is savoury and moreish and so delightfully complex - there is no other craft gin quite like it!

How do you serve Downpour Gin?

We recommend serving Downpour Coast & Croft Gin with Sanpellegrino Citrus Tonic and a garnish duo of grapefruit and coriander or allspice. Together, they make for a G&T that’s citrusy and savoury and full of umami delight. Find the full Downpour perfect serve recipe here!

Downpour Coast & Croft Gin is also fantastic for mixing into cocktail recipes like Craft Gin Club’s Bramble. This unique Bramble cocktail recipe combines Downpour gin with We Made Drinks Zesty Lemon and Craft Gin Club’s bespoke Bramble Cocktail Syrup. The result is a cocktail that’s zesty and rich and berry-licious. Find the full recipe here!

What other gins does the North Uist Distillery make?

Downpour Scottish Dry Gin

The original downpour of flavour, using local heather and citrus and spice botanicals.

How do your serve Downpour Scottish Dry Gin? Serve this delicious London dry with a premium tonic and garnish with a slice of fresh lemon and a sprig of fresh rosemary.

Image: North Uist Distillery.

Downpour Pink Grapefruit Gin

A zesty burst of pink grapefruit you can taste in every drop.

How do you serve Downpour Pink Grapefruit Gin? We recommend serving this Downpour gin with a slice of fresh grapefruit, to garnish, and a premium tonic to top.

Image: North Uist Distillery.

Downpour Sloe & Bramble Gin

Sloe berries and Uist brambles meet Downpour Scottish Dry Gin in this deliciously tart expression.

How do your serve Downpour Sloe & Bramble Gin? We recommend serving this fabulous gin with a premium tonic, garnished with a slice of fresh orange.

Image: North Uist Distillery.

Can you visit North Uist Distillery?

North Uist Distillery is indeed open to visitors. It is housed in a beautiful and historic building from the 1700s, in Nunton Steadings on Benbecula. There, you can see where Downpour Scottish Gin is made and taste the range - they also have a fantastic gin gift shop!

To get there, you can either fly from Glasgow to Benbecula or catch the ferry from Uig to Lochmaddy or from Mallaig/Oban to Lochboisdale.

Where can I buy Downpour Gin?

The whole North Uist Distillery Downpour Gin range is available to buy on the Craft Gin Club online shop at this link.

Downpour Coast & Croft Gin is available to buy as part of Craft Gin Club’s November 2022 Gin of the Month box. If you’re a member, upgrade now to get yours!