If Hendrick’s gin is your thing, then this story is especially for you. And even if gin is not your thing, then read, enjoy and savour every mouthful
The Hendrick’s Gin Palace and distillery in Scotland – a playground for experimentation, invention and curiosity – has been artfully and magnificently expanded to meet the voracious global demand for Hendrick’s, which is unusually infused with essences of cucumber and rose. As an engine of innovation, it is an institution dedicated to exploration and discovery where Hendrick’s master distiller, Lesley Gracie, has the creative freedom to experiment and conceive new Hendrick’s variants. It is also the distilling home for the brand that turned the gin world on its head.
The Hendrick’s Gin Palace features a mysterious and enchanting walled garden which leads to a magnificent and imposing Victorian inspired palm house. This is flanked by two botanical hot houses used to cultivate a plethora of unusual botanicals and flora from around the world. There is the inner sanctum that is Lesley’s laboratory which features a curious flavour library, a lecture theatre that encourages scholarly learnings, and a suitably stylish bar.
And of course there are two stunning new still houses. The Hendrick’s family of stills now stands at a proud six: four Bennett stills including the original antique copper pot hailing from 1860 and three precise replicas; and two Carter Heads including one original constructed in 1948 and one exact reproduction.
William Grant & Sons – the family owned independent global spirits company – invested £13-million in the glorious expansion, a reflection of the confidence and excitement it has in the future of Hendrick’s. Innovation has always been in the brand’s DNA. It spearheaded the global gin boom, and it created and continues to lead the super-premium gin category.
“I’ve been distilling Hendrick’s for almost twenty years, and during that time my team and I have had the opportunity to explore and experiment on a small scale. However, I’m thrilled and excited to take full advantage of our wonderful new distillery and begin working on a line of experimental liquids, some of which will hopefully blossom into future releases and potential new expressions of Hendrick’s,” says Lesley Gracie, the master distiller for Hendrick’s.
Pamela Selby, the global brand director for Hendrick’s added: “The Hendrick’s Gin Palace in its design and experience, is intended to inspire curiosity, open minds and serve as a platform for invention. It pulls back the curtain on the wondrous production method and showcases the many layers of Hendrick’s that it has become celebrated for, some humorous, others curiously intellectual, detailed and deeply meaningful.” *