University of Glasgow Gin created by an Arts Graduate

The University of Glasgow has unveiled its own branded gin created by a former Arts student at this year’s Summer Graduations!

Helen Stewart from Badvo Distillery near Pitlochry in Scotland has worked with the University to create the exclusive new gin called 1451 – named after the year in which the University was founded.

Helen graduated from the University in English Literature and Linguistics but wanted to pursue her love of gin distilling after working at a distillery aged 18. Helen's family-run farm offers an extensive range of botanical ingredients with which she experimented before perfecting her original gin recipe to create Badvo. The University's gin 1451 has had the same meticulous process applied to ensure a great tasting gin!  It uses Badvo’s signature ingredient, fresh juniper, which grows extensively on the 400-year-old farm, but adds notes of apple and wild mint to give 1451 a crisp, fresh taste.

Helen has been able to produce a gin with 100% hand foraged ingredients whilst regenerating the family’s farm. In particular using some of the disused outbuildings to build her business. She felt restoring a traditional farm building and foraging for botanicals on the farms was an innovative yet respectful way to utilise the land and carry the family name on.

Matthew Williams who runs the University's retail company had been looking into a University whisky, but when he discovered Helen's story of a recent graduate, creating a gin using only botanicals foraged from her family farm, he approached her to work together on the new gin.

We are delighted to offer the 1451 gin throughout graduation in two different sizes and multiple postcard options. It is also available to buy online and will be available at the gift shop later this year!