First Impressions
Downpour Gin comes from North Uist in the Outer Hebrides — named Spirit of the Year 2024. It uses double the standard concentration of botanicals, and the heather is foraged in late summer when in full bloom, then frozen until needed. The gin is clear in the bottle but louches cloudy in the glass as essential oils are released.
Tasting
The nose is immensely herby and aromatic — heather standing out brilliantly alongside fresh orange and oaky juniper. On the palate, citrus, spice and a punch of wild Hebridean heather — strong spicy notes from juniper, cassia and peppery cubeb. The finish sees essential oils releasing with long heather warmth and juniper persistence.
The Bottom Line
Downpour earns an 8 for Spirit of the Year 2024 — the double botanical concentration and the cloudy-in-glass effect are genuinely distinctive. The Hebridean heather gives it island identity, and the intensity rewards those who like their gin bold. Gold at London Spirits and Master at Gin Masters.
