Glaswegin is distilled and bottled in the heart of Glasgow's Tradeston area, a location chosen to reflect the city and its people who inspired the brand. The distillery, acknowledging Glasgow's industrial heritage, is situated under a railway bridge. This spot holds a personal connection to the founder, who spent years gazing at this location while waiting for his bus home from school.
The distillery boasts a handcrafted artisan copper alembic still, which is directly fired by a flame. It was manufactured by Al-Ambiq in Portugal.
The botanicals used in Glaswegin were chosen with care to embody the spirit of Glasgow and its people. The goal was to create a unique and enjoyable gin, flavour-focused and not reliant on garnishes. Ingredients were selected to ensure gentleness in consumption.
- Milk Thistle, with its liver-protecting effects and immune-boosting properties, is a key ingredient.
- Italian Juniper, reflecting Glasgow's diverse culinary scene, adds a distinctive flavour and health benefits like aiding kidney function and digestive enzymes production.
- Coriander seed, a common gin botanical, contributes a warm, citrusy, and slightly spicy flavour, along with health benefits such as lowering blood sugar and improving cholesterol levels.
- Angelica, thriving in northern climates similar to Glasgow, is used for its earthy, woody tones and potential health benefits like easing bloating and heartburn.
- Orange Blossom, chosen over the typical orange peel, adds a subtle citrus flavour and is believed to soothe upset stomachs and relax nerves.
- Chamomile Flower, known for its calming qualities, imparts a warming sweetness and floral notes, with benefits like tackling anxiety and aiding sleep.
- Pink Peppercorns add a hint of spice and heat, complementing juniper and offering health benefits like aiding kidney health and combating colds and flu.
- Bay Leaf provides a subtle herby flavour and is rich in vitamins and minerals, known to soothe body aches.
When considering the packaging design for Glaswegin, the team knew they needed something special that would not only stand out but also encapsulate the spirit of Glasgow. This led them to collaborate with Paul Gray, an acclaimed designer and a proud graduate of the Glasgow School of Art.
Paul's portfolio is impressive. His designs have not only won the hearts of clients and snagged numerous awards, but they have also been recognised on international platforms. His work has been exhibited at prestigious institutions such as the Design Museum London, the Museum of Modern Art in New York (MoMA), and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
In Paul's own words:
“The brief initially was to design the packaging and appearance of a new gin. A first time entry into a, now, very busy and saturated market.”
“After a great deal of research I saw a commonality. Not all gins are the same but a lot of them are. Centred paper labels on glass. Some are distinctive. Most aren't (in my view). Some work well in your hand but often fail behind the bar in a gantry. Finesse and detail, good production values are all very important but what, in my view, is often missing is the connection between your hand and a back bar presence (back bar standout).”
“A launch and dive into this arena (any arena) is always a risk, but distinctive design and brave clients can make things happen.”
“The feedback has been fantastic for such a young project. People are talking about it, asking for it specifically. That's a very healthy sign.”
“Keep it simple. Simple always works. No complications. Clear, concise and then... a leap into the pool.”
