
Daffy's Small Batch Highland Gin
Daffy's · Strathleven Distillery
Daffy's is a juniper-forward gin that respects the classical London Dry template while incorporating Lebanese mint and coriander for subtle distinction. The distillery uses a single-shot method, meaning no dilution of the distillate, which results in a gin with notable intensity and purity. At 43.2%, it has enough structure to hold its own in a Martini without becoming invisible.
Nose
Bright juniper pine and fresh lemon zest lead, with a soft floral rose note and a whisper of angelica root. Coriander warmth provides a spiced backbone.
Palate
Crisp and clean on entry, with juniper remaining dominant through the mid-palate. Citrus freshness and a subtle coriander warmth develop alongside a gentle peppery kick. The texture is silky and slightly viscous.
Finish
Clean and lingering, with juniper, lemon, and a trace of earthy angelica.
- Style
- London Dry Style
- Botanicals
- Juniper, coriander, angelica root, lemon peel, Lebanese mint, rose petals
- Base Spirit
- Grain neutral spirit
- Distillation
- Single-shot distillation in a copper pot still
Cocktail Suggestion
Highland Gimlet — 2 oz Daffy's Gin · 0.75 oz fresh lime juice · 0.5 oz simple syrup · Shake with ice, strain into a chilled coupe, garnish with a lime wheel.
Food Pairing
The gin's bright citrus and juniper pine notes complement the sweetness of grilled prawns, while the herbal butter echoes the botanical complexity.
Distilled in small batches at Strathleven Distillery in the Scottish Highlands, Daffy's was conceived by a team of spirits enthusiasts who wanted to build a gin around juniper intensity and botanical precision.
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