Ben Lomond Gin, the Official Gin of The Open, has released a limited-edition craft gin to celebrate The 154th Open at Royal Birkdale this summer. The Open Special Edition 2026 features botanicals foraged from the Lancashire links course and is bottled at 43% ABV, priced at £32.
The expression is built on Ben Lomond’s classic London Dry base and incorporates blackcurrant berries, wild chamomile, and sorrel sourced directly from Royal Birkdale’s terrain. These botanicals were selected to reflect the windswept, salt-air character of the course.
The gin was distilled at the newly opened Luss Distillery, the home of Ben Lomond Gin, located on the banks of Loch Lomond.
What Will Whisky Look Like in 2027? Voices from Whisky Live Paris
READ THE STORYAndrew Jack, Group Marketing Director of Loch Lomond Group, said: “Royal Birkdale is one of the great links courses, shaped by wind, salt air and terrain that changes with every round. This year’s Open Special Edition bottles that character, drawing on botanicals foraged from the course itself to create something that genuinely reflects the place.”
Jack added: “The atmosphere, the course and the history make The Open the perfect setting for a gin that’s been shaped by the landscape around it. We’re looking forward to introducing Ben Lomond Gin to visitors to The Open again this summer.”
Official tasting notes from the brand describe an aroma of lemon, dried herbs, chamomile, fresh pine, coriander, and lemon zest. The palate delivers bright juniper, orange zest, floral notes, sweet spices, white pepper, and juicy blackcurrant. The finish is described as sweet, fruity, and refreshing with lemon oils and a lingering light peppercorn.
Trending Content
The bottle features a bespoke screen-printed design with geometric illustrations combining the iconography of The Open, the natural landscape of Royal Birkdale, and the gin’s defining botanicals.
Ben Lomond Gin was named the first Official Gin of The Open in 2023 and has since released annual limited-edition expressions for each host venue. Previous editions celebrated The 151st Open at Royal Liverpool, The 152nd Open at Royal Troon, and The 153rd Open at Royal Portrush.
Launched in 2019, Ben Lomond Gin is produced by Loch Lomond Group, which also operates Loch Lomond Whisky and Glen Scotia Single Malt Scotch Whisky. The brand won Double Gold at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition for its Original Scottish Gin.
The 154th Open will take place from July 12–19, 2026, at Royal Birkdale in Southport, Lancashire. The Open Special Edition 2026 is available through Ben Lomond Gin’s website, selected specialist retailers, Luss Distillery, and the Ben Lomond Gin Garden at the championship.
