FROM ROTTERDAM TO GEORGE GIN LANE

Nestled yards from the River Tay, the windows above the copper stills cast a view over the waters to Kinnoull Church...

When Sailor Robert Faggo returned to Perth in the late 1700's, life on the high seas was bartered in search of riches in the linen trade. Whilst on business in Londons docklands a scheme was hatched with a ships master, also from Perth, with whom he endeavoured to seek fortune in a joust with the exciseman running illegal spirits.

Hogshead Barrels with a top cavity were filled with beer to deceive customs officers and the low tax rate was paid, then on route back to the Fair City, Faggo set sail for the bustling Port of Rotterdam to load ship with much more valuable Gin before navigating the final return to Perth Harbour.

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Successfully conquering the dangers of the smuggling routes into the Fair City ensured great riches for Faggo and his accomplices whilst ensuring an ample supply of illicit contraband was availed to grateful recipients avoiding inequitable taxes.

Much of the spirit was hidden in a boathouse in the grounds of Kinnoull Church subsequently being further diverted by the landowner enabling him to become the major landowner in the Bridgend area of the City.

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Some 240 years have passed since Robert Faggo championed Perth's role in the early Gin Craze.

Nowadays, set in George Gin Lane opposite the iconic Perth Bridge in Tay Street, The Perth Distillery Company distills finest artisan Scottish spirit producing Perth Gin on two handmade Portuguese alembic stills, slowly, passionately and proudly, all in the view of Faggo's final destination in his own inimitable quest to bring Gin to Perth.

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