North Uist Distillery - Steadings Benbecula

Nicki M.

We had a great time, Rona was a great host and explained the whole process to us novices! Her passion and belief in the company was clear and we learnt a great deal. The gin tasting was also a lovely treat, who knew so many interesting botanicals went in? Still think Christmas curry could take off! Thanks so much for having us. James loves his hoody too- his prize for being designated driver! 😂😊🍸

Ewan W.

Local wee family run distillery founded in North Uist but relocated to new premises here on Benbecula. Their signature gin 'Downpour' comes in various flavours, mine is the pink grapefruit. 😋 You get a bottle and 2 mixers for £42 but bring back your bottle for a refill and it's only £37 and 4 mixers 👏🏻🥳 They also brew Whisky too. Pop in and ask for a taster when you pass. 😎🍻

Donald P.

Very well worth a visit! We did not go for the tour but simply dropped in to the shop. However here one gets a description of the different botanicals used as well as seeing and sniffing them, then move on to taste the various gins with various mixers before buying (and the range of gins is excellent!!). £5 discount if you take the bottle back to be refilled as well as getting free tonic). Well worth having a good excuse to return to N Uist ("I'm just nipping out for another bottle or two of gin, dear!")
The sweat shirts are fantastic quality. See pic attached - thick and warm. Then in the courtyard a wee coffee trailer - excellent coffee and a chance to stick ones nose in the still room. Lovely smell and two stills ticking over. A huge wooden barrel for finished product. I asked how on earth they got it in. "Good weather a crane and a section of roof removed" was the answer. The roof is slated, so no mean feat. If you are in the Uists, it is well worth making this a place to visit.

Beth G.

A fairly new distillery, with delicious gins. The tour of the renovated listed buildings was fascinating. After the tour, we had a tasting of all five of their available gins, with an exploring of the botanicals that give each their unique flavor.

The distillery has just casked their first whisky, so it'll be a few years until that is available. But we were able to see the entire process of distilling and aging on site. (A malting shed is scheduled to be built as well )

Impressive operation with knowledgeable guides. If you're visiting the Outer Hebrides, well worth a visit.

Iain D.

Great experience at the gin tasting. Lovely gins, can't wait to try the whisky!

Gin tasting great value at £25 to try all 4 gins, and a small measure of negroni. Highly recommended

Audrey C.

I order this bag just a few days ago and it arrived quickly. I love it. The material is thick which is a plus, and the little note that arrived with it was so nice.
No gin bought this time, but I have to say the gin is yummy.
Thank you Downpour

John B.

Several years after stumbling across this wonderful distillery on a holiday to the Outer Hebrides, I bought myself a bottle by mail order to remind myself just how stunning and unique this gin really is. In a spirit world (no, not that kind of spirit world) so caught up in fancy colours & silly names, flavours and labels, it's hard to think that anyone could come up with anything genuine and different. But Downpour hits the spot - unique aromatics; a powerful kick; and yes, OK, some pretty nifty marketing as well. An inspiring gin from a genuinely passionate team - right down to the hand written thank you note tucked into the packaging. I can't wait until your whisky - the dream that started all this - is finally ready to savour.

Phill C.

I joined a gin tasting afternoon—something that’s not usually my thing, as I’m not a big drinker. But I ended up having an absolutely great time! The staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming, the gins were delicious, and I even surprised myself by buying quite a bit to take home. Highly recommended, even if you're not a gin enthusiast!