Frequently Asked Questions
Where are Isle of Bute Distillery spirits made?
We’re proud to say that our entire distillation and bottling process takes place in Rothesay on the Isle of Bute. We currently have a range of five gins: Oyster, Gorse, Heather, Island and Oaked – and check out our latest release: Dead Run Spiced Rum.
What are “craft” spirits?
Craft spirits are spirits that are distilled in small batches by an independent producer. We distil in small batches to ensure that the quality of each batch is perfect for our customers.
We stick to this ethos in other ways too, such as sourcing local ingredients and even hand-picking botanicals from various places across the island.
Are your spirits vegetarian / vegan?
All our spirits are vegan except for Oyster Gin, which is distilled using oyster shells fresh from Loch Fyne.
Are your spirits gluten-free and do they contain any other allergens?
The process of distillation ensures that all our gins are gluten free. All our gins are free from allergens except for our Oyster Gin, which contains molluscs. We have tested our Oyster Gin and traces of mollusc are below the PPM threshold, nonetheless we list molluscs as an allergen for customers to take their own view. Please check all ingredients listed on the bottles for specific allergy advice.
When is the distillery / front bar open for visiting?
Summer Opening Hours:
- Mon-Wed 12:00-18:00
- Thur 12:00-21:00
- Fri-Sat 12:00-23:00
- Sun 12:00-20:00
The first Sunday every month is Bute Yard Market Day, open from 10am.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes we ship internationally but not to all countries. We fulfill orders outside the UK via Boxworx. If you do not see your desired country listed at checkout, please get in touch and let us know your specific requirements.
Why do you use a copper still?
Copper stills have been used traditionally in gin distillation since the 18th century. They were popular due to their ability to conduct and distribute heat across the whole still, which helps for an even distillation. They’re also able to absorb sulfur that occurs naturally during fermentation which produces a smoother, cleaner gin. And it doesn’t hurt that a copper still is very pretty to look at!
There is something in the bottom of my gin bottle, is that normal?
Yes that is completely normal. Those particles are there because we do not chill-filter our gin after we distil it. Chill-filtering is a process that involves the filtration of small compounds called esters which can produce sediment. Esters come from the botanicals we distil with, and while they produce the particles you’re seeing, they contain lots of flavour molecules from those botanicals. Flavour is the most important aspect for us when we produce our spirits, so you may see sediment at the bottom of your bottle as gravity causes the particles to settle over time.