A dry gin infused with botanicals grown in the Physic Garden at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Scottish seat of the Royal Family, is now available online and from all shops managed by the Royal Collection Trust, a department of the Royal Household.
The Palace of Holyroodhouse Dry Gin is infused with mint and lemon thyme hand-picked from the Physic Garden for their vibrant flavour. Inspired by the garden’s history of cultivating medicinal and culinary herbs, the botanicals – which are steeped for 24 hours before the distilling process begins – combine with juniper to create a delicately fragrant gin with a complex citrus top note.
The gin pairs beautifully with mediterranean or elderflower tonics to further enhance the refreshing flavours of the herbs. Garnished with fresh mint leaves and a sprig of thyme, it makes an elegant aperitif.
The Physic Garden was opened adjacent to the Palace in 2020 to recreate the earliest known gardens on the site, and can be freely enjoyed year-round by the people of Edinburgh and visitors to the Palace.
Founded in the grounds of the Palace in 1670 by two Scottish physicians, Sir Robert Sibbald and Sir Andrew Balfour, the original garden provided fresh ingredients for pharmacists and allowed students to learn the medicinal properties of plants. It was the first garden of its kind in Scotland and was the forerunner of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.
Today, visitors to the Physic Garden will see plants such as fennel, lavender, and lemon balm growing. Alongside, a meadow of wildflowers with healing properties evokes the 15th-century monastic gardens of Holyrood Abbey, while 17th-century royal gardens have been reimagined through geometric springtime displays of bulbs including crocuses, tulips, and alliums.
In a further nod to its historical surroundings, the floral bottle design of the Palace of Holyroodhouse Dry Gin is inspired by the 17th-century Scottish textiles seen on the bed in Mary, Queen of Scots’ Bedchamber inside the Palace. With interlacing leaves, vines, and flowers, the stylised foliage is typical of Jacobean crewelwork, a fashionable type of embroidery from the time.
All profits from sales of the gin go towards the care of, and access to, the Royal Collection through the public opening of the Royal Residences, exhibitions, loans, and educational programmes managed by Royal Collection Trust, a registered charity.
The Palace of Holyroodhouse Dry Gin, 40% abv, can now be purchased from the Royal Collection Trust shops in Edinburgh, London, and Windsor, and from the online shop for £40.00 for a 70cl bottle.