This years Islay's Festival looked like the busiest one ever, at least it did to me. There are hardly any "official numbers" but I've been told that there were 2,500 people attending Bruichladdich Open Day, that's almost the entire Islay population. And in between all the whisky tastings, distilleries open days and other whisky related events there was one whih stood out from the rest, not by the number of attendees but by the product that was launched. It was Nerabus Islay Dry Gin, distilled and bottled in Nerabus by John and Audrey Gow. And because today, the 9th of June, is World Gin Day, this is a good opportunity to give you some more information about this second Islay gin distillery.

Nerabus Islay Dry Gin was officially launched on Monday the 28th of May in Bruichladdich Hall. The initial batch of 500 bottles is almost sold out and Audrey Gow, one of the owners, told me that "the launch was fantastic and that they have received brilliant feedback on all aspects." That sounds like they are off to a flying start. Their classic Hebridean Gin is produced with traditional juniper berries, herbs and spices together with an infusion of wild Islay heather to create a unique Dry Gin of character. As I'm not a gin drinker I can't provide any tasting notes I'm afraid but based on the first responses it looks like John and Audrey are going to be busy this year. I wish them lots of success and if you need more information or want to buy a bottle please visit their new website on www.islayginltd.com

Photo by Island Light Photography

Tag: gin nerabus gin