Shortcross Gin Unveil Exclusive Botanical Gin Collaboration with Historic Royal Palaces
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
