Almost a decade after it launched, Caorunn Small Batch Scottish Gin, one of the pioneers of the Scottish gin renaissance, has today (5th July) unveiled the first ever extension to its range: Caorunn Gin Master’s Cut.
Crafted exclusively for the travel retail channel by Caorunn’s longstanding Gin Master Simon Buley at Balmenach Distillery in the Scottish Highlands, this new expression perfectly encapsulates and enhances the essence of Caorunn. It is an exquisite balance of traditional and foraged botanicals, Simon’s craftsmanship and an exceptionally fresh, clean flavour bursting with vibrant juniper and the delicious soft fruity notes of rowan and apple.
Bottled in one litre at 48%, Caorunn Gin Master’s Cut will also boast the highest ABV of any gin in British airports – a strength that Simon Buley selected to bring Caorunn’s distinctive flavours and aromas to the fore.
The new release will launch exclusively with one of the world’s leading travel retailers, Dufry. It will be available in selected Dufry World Duty Free airport shops in the UK for a three-month period from 11th July as a key brand in the travel retailer’s summer liquor promotions, before becoming available in the global travel retail & duty free channel from October.
Ahead of the official launch, the Caorunn team will stage a global unveiling of the new expression at the VIP opening of the ‘Caorunn Summer Garden’ at Hotel du Vin Edinburgh on Thursday 5th July. Gin Master Simon Buley will host the celebrations with a world-first tasting of the new expression, alongside cocktails, alfresco dining and entertainment.
Thereafter in celebration of this milestone release, Caorunn and Dufry have collaborated on a programme of events and marketing over the launch period, including airport tastings, an exclusive gift with purchase linked to Dufry’s ‘Reserve and Collect’ service, an appearance at Heathrow’s Summer Gin Festival and a competition on Dufry’s RED loyalty programme app.
Caorunn Gin Master’s Cut is traditionally served with cool fizzing tonic and slices of crisp green Granny Smith apple to highlight its flavour profile. However the gin’s higher ABV also means the new expression is perfect for mixing, and to celebrate the launch, the Caorunn team has created two delicious new cocktail recipes:
‘Highland Mule’, mixing Caorunn Gin Master’s Cut with apple cider and ginger beer, served in a copper mug over crushed ice.
‘Smoky Martini’, stirring Caorunn Gin Master’s Cut with dry vermouth over ice, topped with a teaspoon of peated whisky to float on top, and an olive.
Commenting on the launch, International Beverage Sales Director for Global Travel Retail, James Bateman said: ‘When Caorunn was launched in 2009, the Scottish gin boom had yet to happen, but we were confident that a spirit of such exceptional quality and character would be successful. International Beverage has a long-standing commitment to building our brands in travel retail, where Caorunn Gin is already the third best-selling brand in UK outlets. We felt that the time was right to build on our success with this new and exclusive Caorunn expression – and it has definitely been worth the wait.’
Matthew Scott-Fairweather, Liquor Product and Promotions Manager UK, Finland, Sweden and Germany from Dufry added: ‘Since World Duty Free agreed to trial Caorunn Gin in its Scottish airports in the summer of 2011, it has become one of our most successful gin stories in our stores across the UK. Caorunn Gin Master’s Cut is outstanding, and our congratulations go to Simon Buley for retaining all the integrity and character of Caorunn whilst bringing something fresh and special into the bottle. It allows us to offer our customers something truly different from other stores, whether to enjoy themselves or as a gift to others.’
