Aberdeenshire’s The Kilted Chef launches second gin with The Gin Bothy

By Julia Bryce

November 25 2022, 11:45 am

Craig Wilson of Eat on the Green, in his home in Aberdeenshire. Image: Kath Flannery/DC Thomson

An Aberdeenshire chef has collaborated with a popular Scottish gin producer to create his second gin – this time nodding to the winter season.

Craig Wilson, who is also known locally as The Kilted Chef, a name given to him by Lorraine Kelly, has teamed up with the team at The Gin Bothy near Forfar.

This is the chef’s second spirit and is called Kilted Chef Fireside Gin. Just 200 bottles of the gin have been created.

Fancy a tipple? The Fireside Gin is the perfect winter warmer says Craig Wilson. Image: Kilted Chef

Bottled by hand in small batches at the gin firm’s award-winning bothy, the gin, which is 37.5% ABV, comes in a 70cl bottle and is made with botanicals including cinnamon, nutmeg, mixed spice, black pepper and honey from Glenshee East Perthshire.

Craig is the owner of Udny Green eatery, Eat on the Green, and has served famous faces and influential politicians in his time.

Kilted chef gin trial

It was trialled at one of Eat on the Green’s supper club events which saw guests get an exclusive first taste of the spirit. Kim Cameron, owner of The Gin Bothy, was present at the event and shared her

The supper club takes place every Thursday and features a local guest producer who shares their food and drink story.

His first gin celebrated Scottish summer berries and more than 400 bottles of it have been sold. He launched the gin at this year’s Taste of Grampian event at P&J Live in June, handing out samples to festivalgoers.

Craig Wilson cooking at his demonstration at Taste of Grampian. Image: Kenny Elrick/DC Thomson

Described as “a winter warmer” Craig recommends spiced orange ginger ale and an orange slice with a cinnamon stick as garnish as his perfect serve.

He said: “I have always been a huge fan of The Gin Bothy and the ethos behind the business, which is very focused on its unique heritage. They still use traditional methods of production and are very influenced by Scotland.

Kim Cameron outside her business premises near Forfar. Image: The Gin Bothy

“Working with Kim has been fantastic. My focus was to create a gin which was like a hug in a glass, comforting and fragrant. It is also inspired by the flavours of the festive season.

“Following the success of my first gin, we were keen to add to the Kilted Chef collection.”

The Kilted Chef fireside gin is £39 a bottle and is available to purchase from Eat on the Green and online at www.kiltedchefdineathome.com