Where the Atlantic Ocean meets the North Sea and Scandinavia meets Scotland, we find the Shetland Islands, the northernst point in Britain. Shetland is an archipelago of 100 islands, only 12 of which are inhabited, located between Orkney and the Faroe Islands off the north coast of Scotland. They are characterized by very rugged coastlines and rugged rocky reliefs resulting from glacial erosion. Cold but not freezing winters, abundant precipitation, summers resembling Sicilian winters, and unspoiled nature, combined with entrenched Norwegian traditions, despite being Scottish for almost 600 years, create unique contrasts. Blackwoods has combined the English tradition of gin with botanicals harvested in lukewarm Shetland summers thus creating the world's first London Dry Gin Vintage. Each vintage of this gin is slightly different from the others in that the aromas are influenced by the scents of the botanicals used, and reflect the climatic conditions of the harvest year. There are four botanicals collected:
• Filipendula Olmaria has delicate, graceful flowers, cream white and a very strong and sweet scent that is often described as scented with honey. Also known as Spirea olmaria has anti-inflammatory, diuretic, antispasmodic, antireumatic, depurative, astringent properties. It is used to relieve rheumatic pain, but also in febrile and flu states, against headaches and in dentistry. The anti-inflammatory activity of the plant is due to salicylic derivatives and flavonoids.
• Also called the key to paradise and fairy cup, the odorous primrose has vibrant yellow flowers that taste sweet. Traditionally in the north of Europe with leaves a pleasant and calming drink (but also a cordial or tea) is prepared.
• The Serpillo is widespread, growing on the hills and on the banks of the river. Also called wild thyme is a beautiful pink shrub, which produces herbal and delicate aromas. This variety of thyme is a good mellifera plant, much looted by bees that also obtain mono flora honey from it. It is widely used in the kitchen, like many other species of thyme. In particular, for its antibacterial properties, it is very useful to help digestion. It is also used in Italy, from Turin to Ischia, to produce liqueurs, while in marche it is used to flavor Pecorino.
•Euphrasia, whilehaving only a slight floral aroma, is perfect to combine with sweeter flavors. It is a grass with small white flowers that have purple streaks and a splash of yellow near the center.
Vodka is also left infused with botanicals, and distilled five times. All Blackwoods distillate botanicals are established from time to time with a group of selected bartenders, to interpret market trends and create a product that is excellent in mixing.
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