First Impressions
Redcastle is distilled in small batches in Arbroath, Angus — thirteen carefully selected botanicals including kaffir lime leaf, pink peppercorn and star anise create a distinctively spicy Scottish gin. Each bottle is individually filled, sealed, wax-dipped, labelled and numbered by hand. Launched in July 2017.
Tasting
The nose is juniper with a zesty zing and warming spicy notes led by star anise. On the palate, a hit of juniper balanced by fantastic warming spice — star anise bringing fleeting sweetness before herbaceous spice takes control with kaffir lime leaf freshness. The finish lingers with sweet anise and herbaceous spice warmth.
The Bottom Line
Redcastle earns a 7 for a spicy Scottish gin with genuine handcraft credentials. The kaffir lime-star anise-pink pepper combination is boldly different from typical Scottish gin profiles, and the hand-numbered bottles reflect small-batch commitment. At around £35, Arbroath's best-kept secret.
