An Edinburgh-based start-up is redefining specialty coffee through an inventive cask-ageing process developed with guidance from Business Gateway.
Married co-founders Georgia and Grant Fraser launched Cortino in August 2024, merging specialty coffee craftsmanship with Scotland’s whisky traditions to create small-batch brews that challenge conventional flavour profiles.
The company’s signature technique involves ageing ethically sourced Brazilian Arabica beans in decommissioned whisky barrels from Scottish distilleries.
After six weeks absorbing woody, spirity nuances, the beans undergo small-batch roasting in Leith, yielding limited editions where each release reflects its cask’s provenance.
Sustainability principles underpin operations, from compostable packaging to carbon-neutral logistics partnerships. “We’re proving exceptional coffee needn’t cost the earth,” Grant notes, referencing their closed-loop production system.
Business Gateway adviser Lee Briggs provided strategic support during Cortino’s launch phase, assisting with business planning and securing £4,000 in growth funding through the Smart:Scotland grant scheme.
His industry connections facilitated key placements at events like the Edinburgh Cheese & Charcuterie Festival.
With strong customer demand at pop-ups and trade shows, the founders are preparing for national expansion in 2025.
Planned collaborations with Speyside whisky producers aim to create regional cask editions, while funding will bolster e-commerce capabilities ahead of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Georgia Fraser, co-founder, Cortino, said: “Business Gateway has provided fantastic support that has allowed us to start Cortino on the best possible footing.
“Lee has been an invaluable resource for us. His insight and connections have enabled us to access funding and develop a robust strategy for scaling up this year. He has always been on hand to answer any questions or guide us to where we need to get to.”
Lee Briggs, Business Gateway adviser, said: “Georgia and Grant’s passion to create a unique new product is a brilliant example to anyone looking to start up their own business.
“Their drive and determination to make their product the best it can be and deliver it sustainably by making the most of the local knowledge has seen their efforts rewarded greatly.
“We look forward to supporting the team as they gear up for an exciting year in 2025.”
The enterprise exemplifies Scotland’s thriving artisanal food scene, where traditional techniques meet modern sustainability imperatives – a formula positioning Cortino for growth in the premium coffee market.
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To find out more about how Business Gateway can help your business, visit https://bgateway.com. To discover more about Cortino’s unique blends, visit https://www.drinkcortino.com/.
