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An Angus distillery has launched a limited edition gin inspired by the famous overnight railway journey from London to Scotland.

Caledonian Sleeper Gin, by Arbikie Distillery, is on sale from 10 June with proceeds going to the Railway Children charity’s Glasgow project.

Expertly crafted in partnership with Arbikie’s master distiller Kirsty Black, the exclusive gin uses the field-to-bottle approach to distilling.

The family-run distillery, which sits on 2,000 acres of land near Montrose, uses local ingredients grown on the farm.

The Caledonian Sleeper team visited the distillery during the production process to help select key botanicals, the ingredient’s that influence a gin’s flavour.

The result is a gin that takes inspiration from Lunan Bay, which the distillery overlooks – one of the scenic spots the Caledonian Sleeper passes on its way north.

It features notes of kelp, carline thistle and blaeberries to give a hint of the ocean, rock and land surrounding Arbikie.

There are also “secret” ingredients inspired by the Caledonian Sleeper’s overnight journey through quaint towns, vibrant cities and spectacular scenery.

Only 200 70cl bottles of the limited edition gin will be produced.

One of the specifically gift-boxed bottles can be purchased on Arbikie’s website and at the Arbikie Distillery shop with a retail price of £89.

A limited run of 5cl mini bottles will be produced for sale onboard the sleeper train and at the invitation-only London Euston Guest Lounge.

Proceeds from sales of the 70cl bottles will be donated to the Railway Children’s Glasgow project.

Master distiller Ms Black said: “The Caledonian Sleeper transforms something as ordinary as travelling to London into something extraordinary and special.

“I’d like to think that’s what we also do at Arbikie – taking simple, unassuming plants that grow wild around us and unlocking their secret flavours to create something extraordinary.

“For this gin we wanted to combine plants that represent where we are based with plants that can be found along the Caledonian Sleeper route.”

Kathryn Darbandi, managing director of Caledonian Sleeper, said: “Working with Arbikie to create Caledonian Sleeper Gin has been a real pleasure, bringing our limited edition gin to life in line with their field-to-bottle sustainable ethos.

“All ingredients have been sourced as locally as possible to keep our carbon footprint low.  With the expertise of the Arbikie team, we’ve crafted a spirit that encapsulates the feel of the gorgeous Lunan Bay area and spectacular landscapes surrounding the distillery and along our epic overnight route to Scotland, taking those tasting the gin on their very own flavour journey.

“And with Montrose being one of the 40-plus stations we serve, it is ideally located just five miles away where guests can enjoy the Arbikie Distillery Experience.”

This article appeared in The Courier on 10 June 2024.