Speyside is known for being populated by single malt distilleries like The Macallan and The Balvenie, and the sublime landscapes from which these are known to harvest local ingredients.

But in 2015, Alex Christou began to investigate whether it would be possible to complement the region’s spirits production with a distillery dedicated, instead, to gin and vodka.

Four years later, the 5,400sqft Glenrinnes Distillery opened, becoming the unequivocal answer. Now, it’s the home of Eight Lands, an award-winning brand Christou co-founded with his stepfather.

The family-run estate on which they craft and distil their gin and vodka supplies the pristine water from which these are made, and has inspired the brand’s organic ethos. The name Eight Lands derives from the vista of eight counties that’s visible on clear days from the summit of Ben Rinnes. And the spirits in question are derived from 100 per cent natural ingredients, which can be traced from grain to glass. (Christou’s mother Kathy leads the estate’s farming activities.)

Eight Lands Organic Vodka

The organic vodka is created through a process involving two stages of fermentation and a combination of pot still and two ten-plate columns. The drinking experience begins with aromas of marzipan and vanilla pods. On the palate, notes of quality grain lead into butterscotch and coconut, followed by a smooth finish with a hint of spice.

Its juniper-suffused counterpart, meanwhile, is a London Dry-style gin. This is distilled in a 1,000-litre pot still and one of the distillery’s rectifying columns. Through maceration and vapour infusion, 11 botanicals including locally foraged wood sorrel and cowberries contribute to a unique flavour. On the palate is a balance between notes of sweet juniper, tart red berries and citrus. And the gin’s finish is characterised by hints of black tea and warm spice.

Eight Lands Organic Spirits boast unique combinations of tasting notes

Christou says, ‘I genuinely believe that we have created something special with our vodka and gin, which are made from only organic ingredients and Scottish spring water. This commitment to high-quality ingredients and processes directly contributes to the quality of our liquid. In turn, this enables us to offer a superior vodka and gin to our customers.’

Hence it may come as no surprise that Eight Lands Organic Spirits are being increasingly served in the bars and restaurants of many lands, indeed.

Eight Lands Organic Vodka/Gin – 42%/46% ABV, RRP £39; see more at eight-lands.com