Our Story
Establishment...
Nestled in a valley beneath the wild and breathtaking Cairngorms mountain range in the Highlands of Scotland, the Cairngorm Gin Company was established in 2019.
As one of Scotland’s progressive micro-distilleries, we passionately distil and bottle our small batch premium spirit using only the finest botanicals and crystal clear water from the River Spey.
New Beginnings...
Cairngorm Gin founder Jack Smith was born and raised in the Scottish Highlands. Having worked alongside a number of leading Michelin-star chefs, but with a deepening passion for Scottish gin, an idea formed to create a premium gin that truly captured the essence of the stunning Highland environment he’d grown up in.
A Still named Ginger...
April 2019
The original copper pot still “Ginger,” was aptly named after Jack’s late grandfather, a great character who was rather partial to a Gin and Tonic! In fact, he always maintained it was easier to make a G&T than a “cup of tea”.
In memory of his grandfather, it is tradition to toast “Ginger” with a dram from each batch distilled.
First Release...
November 2019
The journey for the Cairngorm Gin Company began in 2019 with the launch of our Signature Edition Cairngorm Gin. 9 botanicals, inspired by the diverse flora and fauna of the Cairngorms National Park are used to produce this edition.
Industry Recognition...
2020-2022
Working hard from the onset to establish ourselves in the Scottish gin scene, Our signature edition Cairngorm Gin quickly picked up recognition in the World Gin Awards, International Wine and Spirits Competition and the Scottish Retail Food and Drink Awards.
Further Releases...
2021 -2022
Following the release and success of our Signature Edition Cairngorm Gin, several months of recipe development produced three welcome additions to the award-winning Cairngorm range.
- Cairngorm Reindeer Special Edition
- Rothiemurchus Estate Edition
- Mountain Strength Edition
Distillery & Shop...
November 2022
To continue to meet increasing demand for our gins, we relocated to an industrial unit in Grantown-On-Spey, where we welcome visitors to come and sample our range of products from our on-site distillery shop.
New Still...
March 2023
Along with the relocation of production to our new facility in Grantown-On-Spey came the arrival and installation of our larger 200L ‘iStill” to increase our distilling capacity.
Coming Soon...
Easter 2026
We are pleased to have been granted planning permission to bring Cairngorm Gin to Aviemore with a purpose built Visitor Experience, Restaurant & Bar at the north end of the village. Join our newsletter to be the first to hear when we are ready to welcome you.
Meet the Team
Jack Smith
Owner & Distiller
Find Jack behind the stills at our distillery producing the Cairngorm Gin you all know and love.
Whilst cooking in leading kitchens across the globe, Jack discovered a passion for “all things gin”. The Launch of Cairngorm Gin in November 2019 was the first step towards his vision of producing and pairing premium Scottish gin with a quality food experience.
Tel. +44 (0) 7764 365702
Email. jack@cairngormgin.com
Ed Baird
Brand Sales Manager
Find Ed across the country delivering our gin, visiting bars, retailers, and hosting trade events.
Born into a family of wine merchants, Ed has now been in and around the drinks industry his whole life. The last 20 years of working in the spirits industry has taken him to visit bars and distilleries around the world, bringing him back to our craft gin distillery in the Highlands.
Tel. +44 (0) 7703 755842
Email. ed@cairngormgin.com
Jennifer Smith
Accounts & Admin
Find Jennifer in the distillery office looking after our accounts & admin.
Passionate about the local area and embracing the beauty of nature and wildlife, Jennifer enjoys walking the family dogs. Spending time with family and friends is a priority and she also enjoys travelling in the family motorhome, exploring new places and creating lasting memories on the road.
Tel. +44 (0) 1479 816588
Email. info@cairngormgin.com
Willis Smith
Distillery Woof-Advisor
Our Chief Woof-Advisor ‘Willis’ can often be found at the distillery keeping a careful eye on the team.
Be sure to drop in and say hello to her; she does love a biscuit, or three!
Willis has been with us since April 2020 and has settled in well! Keeping a careful eye on passers by and welcoming visitors to our shop.
You can reach me by stopping into the distillery and saying hello! We are dog friendly for well behaved dogs.
