Hills and Harbour Gin

Crafty Distillery feels exactly like modern Scottish spirits should feel. Independent, experimental, slightly mischievous and deeply rooted in local ingredients without becoming trapped in tartan-covered nostalgia.

Based in Newton Stewart in southwest Scotland, the distillery launched in 2017 and quickly built a reputation around gins, vodka and whisky made with an obvious focus on flavour and regional identity. Their Hills & Harbour Gin especially became a breakout success thanks to a brilliant combination of coastal freshness, pine and citrus that somehow tastes exactly like wandering through Scottish woodland beside the sea.

What makes Crafty especially enjoyable is the willingness to experiment without drifting fully into gimmick territory. The products feel modern and creative, but still carefully made rather than simply trying to shock people with strange flavour combinations involving seaweed and existential dread.

The distillery also puts a strong emphasis on sustainability and local sourcing, which fits naturally with the whole project rather than feeling awkwardly added afterwards because somebody mentioned climate reports in a meeting.

There’s also something refreshingly relaxed about the branding and atmosphere. Scottish spirits can occasionally disappear into centuries of intimidating heritage language, but Crafty keeps things playful and approachable while still taking the liquid itself seriously.