A whisky region may not be the obvious destination of choice for a gin-lover - they could be forgiven for thinking it's an elaborate ruse to make sure they're always the designated driver(!), but there are many really excellent gin distilleries in the region.
Whilst whisky has put the Speyside region on the map, it's no surprise that exciting things are going on here in the wider world of spirits.
Organic distillery Glenrinnes produces gin and vodka under the Eight Lands brand. An impressive modern building on a hillside overlooking a verdant green valley at the foot of Ben Rinnes, this is a great fun site to visit and - despite being relatively new on the Speyside spirits scene (they opened in 2019) - the products are already making waves.
Old favourite Caorunn gin is distilled at Balmenach, near Grantown-on-Spey. You can visit and tour the distillery and follow the full production process of this popular Speyside gin.
Red Door gin is produced at Benromach distillery near Forres, and has a brand new visitor experience launched in 2019. Distilled in a copper pot still with personality, called 'Peggy', the gin has a mix of classic and locally-inspired botanicals.
The Speyside Distillery is the home of Byron's gin. In the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, this has to be one of the prettiest distillery locations in the whole of the UK. The distillery is located in a converted barley mill and has been producing whisky since the 1990s. The gin is a more recent but welcome addition, and visits to the distillery are possible by appointment.
At Gordon Castle, you can visit the shop and buy the full range of award-winning gins made using botanicals from their very own walled garden. Walled garden visits also happen periodically throughout the year, especially during the annual Gin Experience as part of the Spirit of Speyside festival.
Other gins of note in Moray and Speyside include Elgin-based Moray distillery (home of Avva Scottish, a small batch London dry gin), El:Gin (produced using oats, which gives a creamier taste) and Insriach (produced near Aviemore, in a distillery whose claims to fame include winning Channel 4's Shed of the Year in 2015).