Herbologist launches trio of colour-changing gins

Edinburgh-based distillery The Old Curiosity has released a trio of virtuous gins that draw inspiration from the apothecary, are free of chemicals and sugars and change colour with the addition of tonic.

The Old Curiosity range of gins were created by herbologist Hamish Martin

The Old Curiosity Distillery is the latest venture from Hamish Martin, a Scottish herbologist and owner of the Secret Herb Garden – 7.5-acre plot nestled at the foot of the Pentland Hills on the outskirts of Edinburgh – from which Martin’s floral botancials are hand grown, picked, dried and infused.

The range, which includes Apothecary Rose; Lavender & Echinacea and Chamomile and Cornflower, boasts “colour-changing” properties when tonic is added, due to the natural ingredients used to make each gin.

Created from one of the oldest rose varieties in the world, Apothecary Rose has been used in herbal remedies and tinctures for over 5,000 years, and brings with it colour changing properties which see the liquid change from pale gold to vibrant pink.

Echinacea meanwhile complements the restorative qualities of Lavender, which combined with its medicinal properties result in a “soul-healing” gin that turns from purple to pink.

Finally, the third gin is an infusion of pure blue cornflower pigments with the subtle notes of the chamomile flower that transform the liquid from blue to pale pink.

The collection is available from Harvey Nichols at an RRP of £42 for a 50cl, and select outlets in Scotland.