Isle of Cumbrae Distillers — Attraction in Great Cumbrae

We went over to the Isle of Cumbrae on the ferry for the day. Weather was a bit dull and wet. But we had a beautiful walk around, biked all the way around the island, and then arrived at the distillery. We had booked a gin tour for £20 for an hour. We were greeted with a lovely warm log burner, and Julie a lovely lady from California who had been lured to live on the beautiful island a few years ago. Herself and 4 other ladies decided to start up the gin distillery in 2019. We, along with 2 other couples, were guided through the history of how gin came to be so popular. We were shown how it was distilled,a very interesting process, and then we were treated to sample various bottles. Julie was very informative, and we felt like we'd known her for a long time. I've never tried gin' myself, so it was a new experience for me. I liked their first gin they ever made called Nostalgin served with plain tonic water with pieces of fresh orange, very nice. I can say it went down very well. At the end, we were gifted a sampling glass with their logo engraved on it to take hone. We then made our way through the gift shop to see what we could buy. They do various size bottles, and some are like works of art. These beautiful bottles raise money to help maintain the waverely, which is a historic paddle steamer and the Garrison building, which is located in the town.They do gift boxes too. Which I treated myself to enjoy when I get home. Overall, this place is a must to visit. You won't be...

Gin, Sisterhood & the Isle of Cumbrae Excellent tour/experience of this micro gin distillery located on Millport's high street in delightfully welcoming turquoise- framed, rustic former bookshop.

Owned by five women, the distillery takes a playful, eloquent and artistic approach to making botanically infused gin that is not only confidently delicious and sweetly surprising but informed by the Isle of Cumbrae's history, landscape and community.

The tour offering of a cocktail on arrival, a further two tastings and a gin tasting glass is generous. We sipped, while seated, to hear some history: the social - addiction endemic to the late 1700s, and local - the isle's initial population growth linked to the black market from The Netherlands & the spoils of gin smuggling. No wonder your reviewer (one of five mum friends) left a little inspired, flushed, relaxed and a little less world weary having spent a 'happy' hour enjoying gin, good hosts and company all through the lens of women....

I attended a Wreath Making afternoon at the Isle of Cumbrae Distillers on Saturday 26th November 2022. What a lovely event, led by a local person - Jane - who is very competent in making wreathes. It was also fabulous to know that all the natural materials for making the wreath had been foraged on the island and this made it extra special for all of us. Jane was a great instructor, ably assisted by Sandra and we did have some giggles as we all attempted to build our wreathes, accompanied by lovely gin. My favourite is Nostalgin but I also tried the Maura which was lighter and delicate in flavour. Thanks also go to both Philippa and Lynda for looking after us providing us information on the gins and equally ensuring we had an array of sandwiches, quiches and mince pies to accompany our gin when we delighted in our finished results. Also to IOCD's Brand Ambassador Amanda for taking photos.Thank you ladies! Very enjoyable and look forward to your next...