New bar, restaurant and distillery in Aviemore to create more than 20 job

An artisan drinks company is bringing more than 20 new jobs and a new visitor experience to Aviemore.

Cairngorm Gin run by 26-year-old Carrbridge entrepreneur Jack Smith is set to open two new sites at the north end of the village.

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New bar and restaurant is on the menu for north end of Aviemore

The project will be part of an investment that will see the gin brand’s creation of a new facility for production, storage and distribution with the second nearby site housing a visitor centre with a learning experience, restaurant and bar.

Visitors will get the chance to learn about the history and production of the award-winning Cairngorm Gin as well as an opportunity to create their very own bottle to take home.

The new distillery will be based at the new Granish Business Park on the northern outskirts of Aviemore and is due to open ahead of Easter 2025.

The visitor centre, restaurant and bar is expected to open at nearby Lairig View - also at the north end and served off Grampian Road - in early in 2027.

The distillery will also be open to the public with a shop offering tastings and tours.

Cairngorm Gin was created in 2019 by the former chef.

Mr Smith said: “This is a new and exciting chapter for Cairngorm Gin.

“When I set the company up, I wanted to create a premium brand that would highlight my passion for the local area, with the inspiration of local ingredients and water from the iconic River Spey.

“With the opening of the new distillery and visitor centre, I hope to continue to share my passion with everyone.

“The centre will be open to visitors and locals alike and I’m delighted to be able to create a number of new jobs in the area too.

“I am proud of where I come from and I’m always looking at ways to celebrate the local area and to give back where I can.”

Prior to setting up the gin brand, Mr Smith was working alongside some of the country’s top Michelin-star chefs.

He was the youngest Scottish Gin owner and distiller when he began production.

Since Cairngorm Gin’s launch, the brand has grown from strength to strength and can now be found in venues across the UK and beyond.

The spirit has also won several awards including receiving recognition in the World Gin Awards, International Wine and Spirits Competition and the Scottish Retail Food and Drink Awards.

The new distillery in Aviemore will continue to produce Cairngorm Gin’s flagship Signature Edition in addition to its Mountain Strength Edition, Rothiemurchus Estate Edition and the Cairngorm Reindeer Special Edition, with further seasonal offerings in the pipeline.

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