From the Hebrides to Your Highball: Why North Uist’s “Downpour” is the Gin Australia Has Been Waiting For
From the Hebrides to Your Highball: Why North Uist’s “Downpour” is the Gin Australia Has Been Waiting For
If you’ve spent five minutes on our site, you know we’re obsessed with the wild, unadulterated spirit of Scotland. Usually, that means tracking down a single cask from a Highland warehouse or a peated monster from Islay. But every now and then, something comes along that isn't whisky, yet captures that same "island soul" so perfectly we just have to bring it home to Australia.
Enter North Uist Distillery and their legendary Downpour Gin.
Island Life, Distilled (Literally)
Founded by islanders Jonny Ingledew and Kate MacDonald, North Uist Distillery isn't just another craft setup. They’re based in the historic Nunton Steadings in the Outer Hebrides—a place where the Atlantic weather doesn't just "happen"; it defines you.
When they set out to create a new Scottish gin, they didn't want a polite, whisper-thin spirit. They wanted a "Downpour." They wanted a gin that drenched you in flavour, capturing the rugged beauty of their home, from the wild heather to the salty sea spray.
What Makes Downpour the "Best Gin" for Whisky Lovers?
You might be wondering why a bunch of Scotch geeks are so excited about a gin. It’s all in the "Flavour Cloud."
Most commercial gins are chill-filtered to keep them crystal clear. Downpour? Not a chance. Jonny and Kate use a massive amount of botanicals—including locally foraged Hebridean heather—and they leave all those essential oils right where they belong: in the bottle.
-
The Louche Effect: When you add tonic or ice, Downpour transforms from clear to a beautiful, pearlescent cloudy. It’s the gin equivalent of a non-chill-filtered whisky, and it means you’re getting every scrap of flavour.
-
The Punch: At 46% ABV, this isn't a gin that gets lost in the mix. It’s bold, spicy, and citrus-forward.
-
The Pedigree: Don't just take our word for it. This is a multi-award winning gin, having recently scooped Spirit of the Year at the London Spirits Competition and being named Scottish Gin Distillery of the Year three years running (2022-2024).
"We wanted to create a gin that tastes like the islands feel—big, bold, and unapologetic. It’s 'Island Life Distilled'." — Jonny Ingledew, Co-founder.
The Lineup Arriving at Select Scotch Whisky
We’ve curated the best of the North Uist range to make sure your home bar is ready for the Australian summer (or a cozy winter G&T).
| Gin Expression | The Vibe | Key Botanicals |
| Downpour Scottish Dry | The Flagship. Big, bold, and classic. | Juniper, Citrus, Hebridean Heather |
| Coast & Croft | A literal walk on the beach. Savoury & fresh. | Wild Thyme, Pepper Dulse Seaweed |
| Pink Grapefruit | Zesty, bright, and dangerously drinkable. | Pink Grapefruit, Pink Peppercorn |
Sustainability in Every Sip
We also love that North Uist cares about the land they come from. Their new bespoke bottles use 38% less glass than standard designs and feature biodegradable inks. So, you can enjoy one of the best gin experiences on the planet while feeling a little better about your carbon footprint.
Ready to braving the Downpour?
Whether you're a die-hard Scottish gin enthusiast or a whisky drinker looking for a "cleanse" between drams, the North Uist range is a game-changer. It’s authentic, family-owned, and finally available right here in Australia.
[Shop the full North Uist Downpour range here] and grab a bottle before the first batch disappears.
