which raised £25,000, and a large number of supporters, we opened our doors on 16 September 2020 and were one of three Scottish distilleries to successfully open during the pandemic.
Toasting tariff-free trade
While collectively we have decades of business experience between us, we had no association with the food and drinks industry. From distilling, to licensing, to marketing, we have done everything on our own, learning new things every step of the way. In October 2021, we won the Association of Scottish Businesswomen Most Innovative Start‑up and the Ayrshire Businesswomen’s Enterprise of the Year.
Isle of Cumbrae Distillers produces three award winning gins: Nostalgin (Gin Masters Gold 2021; IWSC Bronze 2021), Crock Rock (Gin Masters Silver 2021, IWSC Bronze 2021) and Restoration Gin (Global Gin Masters Gold 2022; IWSC Silver 2022). Our newest gin, Maura, launched in June earlier this year, and is one of 22 finalists for distilled gin of the year for the Scottish Gin Awards. The Maura label, which is heat pressed onto the glass, celebrates the contribution that women have made to the history of Scotland and was designed by distinguished Scottish artist, Hope Blamire.
Our brand celebrates Scottish craft gin, and the resilience of Scottish island communities. We are committed to protecting the fragile island environment and follow sustainable practices in our distillery.
Shattering one pre‑conception at a time
But our brand also toasts us as women; older women with a ‘yes, I can’ attitude, who decided one day that we were going to open a gin distillery…and did it! We represent the possibilities for older woman; the possibility that you can start a business at any age with a good idea; the possibility that a women can be successful in a male dominated industry; and the possibility that age is, indeed, just a number. Success is about having a good attitude, a plan and passion.
Women in their 50’s and 60‘s represent the largest group of gin drinkers and have incredible buying power. Women our age are also seeking products and services that have the potential to serve a larger purpose. As members of this group ourselves, we have the unique opportunity of being able to reach them and determine what they want and need.
We are passionate about our community and believe our legacy will be in providing meaningful employment opportunities for our local youth, as well as helping increase tourism for the island.
