Dunnet Bay Distillers Partners with Base Spirits Collective to Expand Scottish Distribution of Award Winning Rock Rose Gin and Holy Grass Vodka

Dunnet Bay Distillers, the award-winning Scottish craft distillery behind the multi-award-winning Rock Rose Gin and Holy Grass Vodka, today announces a strategic distribution partnership with Base Spirits Collective, Scotland's leading cooperative distribution company for independent spirit brands. 

The agreement, which becomes effective in June 2025, will significantly expand the availability of Dunnet Bay's premium Scottish spirits across Scotland through Base Spirits' established network of on-trade venues including bars, restaurants, and hotels, as well as off-trade retail outlets throughout the country. 

"This partnership with Base Spirits represents an exciting milestone for Dunnet Bay Distillers," said Martin Murray, Owner and Distiller at Dunnet Bay Distillers. "Their deep understanding of the Scottish market and commitment to supporting independent brands aligns perfectly with our values. This collaboration will ensure that more customers across Scotland can experience our authentic Caithness spirits while maintaining the artisanal character that defines our brand."

Base Spirits Collective, founded by industry professionals with a combined 50 years of experience in the spirits trade, specializes in "levelling the playing field for independent brands" through focused distribution to Scotland's hospitality and retail sectors. The company's co-operative model and relationship-driven approach provides professional representation for craft distilleries while ensuring competitive value for customers.

"We're delighted to welcome Dunnet Bay Distillers to our portfolio," said Ian Melville, Managing Director at Base Spirits Collective. "Rock Rose Gin and Holy Grass Vodka represent the very best of Scottish craft distilling – authentic, innovative, and rooted in local heritage. Our established relationships across Scotland's hospitality industry will help these exceptional spirits reach the customers who will truly appreciate their quality and provenance." 

About the Products

Rock Rose Gin, Dunnet Bay's flagship product, has earned numerous accolades including contributing to the distillery's recognition as Scottish Gin Distillery of the Year in 2019. The gin features locally foraged botanicals from the Caithness landscape, creating a distinctive flavor profile that reflects the rugged beauty of Scotland's northern coast. 

Holy Grass Vodka showcases the distillery's commitment to using regional ingredients and traditional craft methods, delivering a premium vodka that embodies the purity and character of the Scottish Highlands. 

Both spirits are hand-distilled at Dunnet Bay's facility in the village of Dunnet, located on the prestigious North Coast 500 route near Thurso.

Customer Benefits

The partnership delivers significant advantages for Scottish customers: 

Enhanced Availability: Wider distribution across Scotland's diverse hospitality venues and retail outlets

Professional Service: Expert staff training and product education ensuring knowledgeable customer service

Quality Assurance: Professional handling and storage maintaining optimal product condition

Competitive Value: Co-operative distribution model supporting fair pricing for premium craft spirits 

Local Support: Scottish-focused distribution keeping economic value within the country

Company Growth and Future Plans 

The distribution agreement supports Dunnet Bay Distillers' continued growth trajectory, which includes a £5.9 million investment in a new whisky distillery currently under construction. The state-of-the-art facility, set to open in September 2025, will transform a historic grain mill in Caithness and feature an accompanying bar and brasserie, positioning the company as a major destination for spirits tourism in northern Scotland.

"This partnership provides the distribution infrastructure we need to support our expansion," added Murray. "As we prepare to launch our whisky production, having Base Spirits' professional network in place ensures we can effectively bring our new products to market while continuing to grow our gin and vodka sales."