Ben Lomond Gin has launched a new limited-edition expression to celebrate The 154th Open, set to take place at Royal Birkdale this July.
As the Official Gin of The Open, the Scottish distiller has once again created a release that pays tribute to golf’s original championship, this year drawing inspiration from the rugged, windswept character of the iconic Lancashire links course.
The Open Special Edition 2026 has been crafted using botanicals foraged directly from Royal Birkdale, including blackcurrant berries, wild chamomile and sorrel. Shaped by an environment defined by salt air, shifting terrain and coastal winds, these ingredients are combined with Ben Lomond’s classic London Dry base to produce a gin that reflects a true sense of place.
The result is a bold yet balanced spirit, offering bright citrus and dried herbs on the nose, followed by notes of orange zest, juicy blackcurrant and sweet spice on the palate. A sweet, fruity finish lingers with a gentle touch of peppercorn.
Since launching in 2019, Ben Lomond Gin has built a reputation as one of Scotland’s most innovative gin brands, known for its distinctive flavour profiles and adventurous approach. The distillery was named the first Official Gin of The Open in 2023, with previous limited editions celebrating Royal Liverpool, Royal Troon and Royal Portrush.
This year’s release has been distilled at the newly opened Luss Distillery, located on the banks of Loch Lomond. The site serves as both a production hub and visitor destination for the brand.
The bottle itself features a bespoke screen-printed design, incorporating geometric illustrations that reference The Open, the landscape of Royal Birkdale and the botanicals used in the gin.
Andrew Jack, Group Marketing Director of Loch Lomond Group, said: “Royal Birkdale is one of the great links courses, shaped by wind, salt air and terrain that changes with every round. This year’s Open Special Edition bottles that character, drawing on botanicals foraged from the course itself to create something that genuinely reflects the place.
“The atmosphere, the course and the history make The Open the perfect setting for a gin that’s been shaped by the landscape around it. We’re looking forward to introducing Ben Lomond Gin to visitors to The Open again this summer.”
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The 154th Open will take place from 12–19 July 2026 at Royal Birkdale in Southport, Lancashire.
The Open Special Edition 2026 (43% ABV, £32) is available via the Ben Lomond Gin website, selected specialist retailers, at Luss Distillery and in the Ben Lomond Gin Garden during The Open.
For more information or to purchase, visit www.benlomondgin.com.
