Crocodile Rock Gin? Snap it up!

If you have ever visited Millport on the beauriful isle of Cumbrae, you will probably have noticed a strange reptillian rock on the beach. Crocodile Rock is a local legand and has been around for over 100 years.

And it’s in homage to this strange attraction that the team behind Isle of Cumbrae Distillers have launched their second gin, Croc Rock Gin. The main botanicals of Cacao, stem ginger and orange symbolise the love they all have for the Croc, while at the same time recognising the potential danger of his bite. They had a super-successful launch of the new gin with the first batch of 100 bottles selling out in 44 minutes!

So, what’s the gin like and does it really have a bite? According to Bronwyn Jenkins-Deas from Isle of Cumbrae Distillers, the nose has the fresh aromas of pine-forward juniper and orange, subtle spicey tones that fills out the heavier citrus notes.

The first sip brings forward the sweetness of the stem ginger and orange on the tip of the tongue. As you start to sense a warmth of heat from the ginger, you simultaneously taste a note of dark chocolate, perfectly balanced with the depth of the cacao creating a nuanced, rich flavour in the finish, the subtle cacao flavours continuing to linger long after your put down the glass.

And how to serve?

This provocative gin, integrating fresh orange and the sweetness of the stem ginger with the rich round flavours of chocolate makes it versatile enough to serve neat, over ice or in a classic G&T., with a splash of your favourite tonic and a citrus or ginger garnish.

Okay, we’re sold! Bring us a bottle and make it snappy! (Sorry!) But if you do want to get your hands on a bottle, you can snap one up on their online shop (sorry again!).

And if you fancy seeing the Croc Rock and the rest of the beautiful Isle of Cumbrae yourself this summer, you’ll be interested to know that Isle of Cumbrae Distillery will be starting tours and tastings in June with three tours daily Thursdays through Sunday. These fascinating distillery tours will bring to life the weird and wonderful history of gin, highlighting the important role women played in the history of gin, and showcase the colourful smuggling history of the Clyde and the history of Millport.

And while you’re there, make sure you take a glass or two of their gin, it has been shortlisted as a finalist for the 2021 Gin Guild awards in the contemporary gin over 42% category…the only Scottish gin in the category! Best of luck to the team and we’re hoping to pay them a visit as soon as we’re allowed.