Shortcross Gin Unveils Exclusive Botanical Gin Collaboration with Historic Royal Palaces Inspired by Hillsborough Castle and Gardens
A celebration of heritage, craftsmanship and unique botanicals from one of Northern Ireland’s most treasured gardens.
Shortcross Gin and Historic Royal Palaces – the charity that cares for Hillsborough Castle and Gardens – are delighted to announce a new partnership that brings together centuries of heritage and modern distilling excellence.
Inspired by the verdant gardens at Hillsborough Castle, the collaboration will see the creation of a limited-edition gin featuring botanicals handpicked from the Castle’s renowned Walled Garden and surrounding parklands.
Distilled at Rademon Estate Distillery, the home of Shortcross Gin, the new expression will capture the character and seasons of Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, offering gin enthusiasts a distinctive taste experience drawn in place, provenance and heritage.
The collaboration celebrates the rich botanical diversity cultivated by the expert gardening team at Hillsborough Castle, blending carefully chosen ingredients with Shortcross Gin’s award-winning distilling expertise. The resulting spirit will reflect both the historic significance of the gardens and the innovative spirit of Northern Ireland’s pioneering craft distilling sector.
A Meeting of Heritage and Craft For Historic Royal Palaces, the partnership represents a unique opportunity to share the stories of Hillsborough Castle’s gardens in an entirely new way, engaging visitors through botanical flavours and craftsmanship.
For Shortcross Gin, the project continues its commitment to creating spirits inspired by the landscapes and botanicals of the island of Ireland. Fiona Boyd-Armstrong Director at Shortcross Gin, said: “We’re incredibly excited to launch this collaboration with Historic Royal Palaces, we both share a mindful appreciation for heritage, storytelling and exceptional craftmanship.
Hillsborough Castle’s gardens are truly remarkable, filled with colours, fragrances and botanicals that tell their own story throughout the seasons. As a distillery in County Down, creating a gin inspired by such an iconic local landmark felt like a natural partnership. The result is a botanical gin that captures that unique royal character.”
Emma Saunders, Senior Licensing Manager at Historic Royal Palaces, said: “The Historic Royal Palaces’ partnership with Shortcross Gin allows us to celebrate the picturesque gardens at Hillsborough Castle in an innovative and engaging way, while showcasing the expertise and the remarkable botanical collection cared for by the gardening team to create this limited edition gin.”
Inspired by Hillsborough Castle Gardens
The limited-edition gin will feature a selection of botanicals inspired by the gardens at Hillsborough Castle, chosen for their aromatic qualities and connection to the landscape.
Each ingredient has been carefully considered to create a balanced and elegant spirit that reflects the picturesque gardens. Visitors to Hillsborough Castle and Gardens will have the opportunity to discover the story behind the collaboration through special experiences and tastings at the Castle.
The partnership is expected to further strengthen Hillsborough Castle’s reputation as a destination where history, culture, food and drink come together, while introducing new audiences to the unique qualities of locally crafted Irish spirits. The Shortcross X Historic Royal Palaces Hillsborough Castle Royal Botanical Limited Edition Gin is available to buy now on Shortcross Gin webstore:
www.shortcrossgin.com
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Shortcross Gin is distilled at Rademon Estate Distillery in County Down, Northern
Ireland. Founded as the first craft distillery in Northern Ireland, Shortcross is renowned
for producing award-winning spirits inspired by the unique landscapes and botanicals
of its distillery home.
About Historic Royal Palaces
Historic Royal Palaces is the independent charity that loves and looks after six of the most
wonderful palaces in the world. The palaces are the setting for the stories that shape us all,
and we are bringing them to people in ways that mean more to them. We want everyone to
find themselves in the spaces and stories we share.
Registered charity number 1068852. For more information visit www.hrp.org.uk
