A Totally Normal Tale of Handbags, Gin, and Harris Tweed Hip Flasks
I’d like to begin by reassuring everyone that discovering a bottle of gin in your handbag several months after a trade show does not make you an alcoholic. It makes you forgetful. Or perhaps efficient? Let’s go with “efficient.”
Back in January, I was at the Scotland’s Trade Fair in Glasgow — in full-on sourcing mode, talking tea towels and chatting aprons, when I stumbled across the lovely folks from Bealach Gin. Naturally, we bonded over a shared appreciation of small-batch brilliance, and they kindly gifted me a mini bottle of their handcrafted Highland gin. Into my trusty tote it went… and there it stayed. Until now.
I unearthed it while fishing around for a pen (isn’t that always the way?) and decided it was high time to give it a proper try. Full disclosure: I’m not great at describing gin in that fancy, tasting-notes sort of way. My default setting is usually “mmm… ginny,” which isn’t terribly helpful, is it?
So I had a peek at the actual tasting notes on their website. Bealach Gin is described as having “crisp citrus flavours” from lemon verbena, with a hint of “peppery warmth” from pink peppercorns, and a soft herbal finish thanks to bay leaves and Scots pine. And yes — now that I’ve read that, I can absolutely confirm my tastebuds were just about sophisticated enough to pick all that up (with a little help from a tonic and a slice of lime). It's a beautifully smooth, flavourful gin that captures the wild, rugged charm of the Scottish Highlands.
But here’s the thing — a random bottle of gin loose in your handbag isn’t exactly elegant. Which is why I’d highly recommend investing in one of my Harris Tweed Hip Flasks for Gin instead. Stylish, discreet, and covered in genuine Harris Tweed, they’re the ultimate companion for a countryside walk, a festival, or — let’s be honest — the next time you’re rifling through your bag for a lipstick and come up with something stronger.
So here’s to happy accidents, hidden gin, and Highland hospitality. A big thank you to Bealach Gin for the surprise treat in my tote — and a gentle reminder to all gin lovers out there: if you’re going to carry a bit of tipple, do it in tweed.
