Referred to as the “reed of the sea”, seaweed works to filter impurities from the water it grows in – so, the purer the water, the better the seaweed. A consultation takes place beforehand so staff can learn exactly what guests hope to get out of their experience. We were of the mindset that we really want to help people understand what provenance is and what craft really means. Built in 2017 by our founder’s father Billy, our modern building is clad in local larch wood inside and out, delivering a warm and inviting space to enjoy. To go with the drinks, the distillery has put together a Galloway Picnic featuring cheeses, cured and smoked meats, and fresh bread, which is all served on a platter made from local stone.

Graham is talking to me on the phone from his distillery in Newton Stewart, taking me step-by-step through the Crafty Distillery Gin Escape. For the very first time, our fresh thinking was coupled with major scientific exploration and the feedback from hundreds of whisky fans. If travelling East on the A75 (Dumfries direction), take the last exit from the roundabout at Newton Stewart onto the A714 Wigtown Road and we are first right after 200 yards. Whether you are a whisky novice, a seasoned expert or simply want an authentic Scottish experience, the Crafty Distillery Scotch Whisky Tour has something special for you. For all gin fans out there, a very warm welcome awaits you at Crafty Distillery in gorgeous Galloway to join us on a unique tour for your taste buds, where we’ll also share the secrets of our process.This behind-the-scenes look at its gin making exemplifies what Crafty Distillery has been about since opening in 2017: namely, craft. You’ll find a selection of magazine content, including articles, tastings, plus information about how you can subscribe. Beyond this we have some great local knowledge so feel free to ask for advice on your visit to our distillery. Whether they want to go for a short trek through the forest or a dip in the sea, enjoy their cocktails and picnic back at the distillery rather than out in nature (a useful option depending on the weather) or spend extra time discussing the intricacies of Crafty’s distillation process with the guide, it can all be planned in. The tour offers a strong focus on touch, smell and taste to help transport you into the wondrous journey of transforming malted barley into scotch whisky.

Made with a single piece of local Douglas Fir tree and weighing in at over 3 tonnes, it makes a striking centerpeice to our retail area, where you’ll find all our award-winning spirits, branded gifts and premium mixers. We have been unable to travel, so we are seeking more experiences, but especially now, people are wanting to know the story behind the brands in the cupboard: how they make it, the people and the process behind it.

Experience how our 100% Scottish barley, unique yeast and innovative processes have elevated the possibilities of whisky flavour to create our unique new make spirit. In creating the original recipe, Crafty Distillery sought help from hundreds of members of the public, sharing samples with them to get feedback for the final recipe. It is a reality of how we all work … Just being outside and having a bit of fun and connecting with where things come from – that was resonating before, but even more so now. Nestled on the edge of Newton Stewart our modern grain to glass distillery pumps out gallons of tasty stuff and delivers panoramic views over the Galloway Hills. If you're constantly refreshing pages or using software to monitor our site for new releases this may have triggered the block.

It is really important to have that savoury quality going on because it enhances the flavour of the gin … if you don’t season something, you cannot open up the palate. The process was clearly explained with humour and great knowledge, the tasting of three different drinks was also well done. Featuring one of the World's few Dark Sky parks, the UK's largest forest park and boasting the most accessible coastline in the UK it offers an unspoilt natural playground ripe for exploring. If travelling West (Stranraer direction) on the A75, take the first exit from the roundabout at Newton Stewart onto the A714 Wigtown Road and we are first right after 200 yards.Taylor explains, “It’s not a common tree in the forest, but it is one that is easy to spot, because [the cones] grow upwards rather than downwards.

Run a lemon wedge around the rim of a margarita-style glass to wet it, then dip it in the seaweed and sea salt mix. This pioneering approach carved out a smooth and characterful new make spirit, truly developed with the people for the people. For Taylor, building a connection to the landscape is almost as important a part of the tour as the gin itself.

My eyes are closed as I revel in the scent… but when I open them, I’m not in the Galloway Forest – I’m in an office in Norfolk.