A WHISKY distiller is tapping into the gin market with the launch of a unique blend that combines what’s thought to be the world’s oldest cask-aged gin with a newer spirit.

Most gins are only in the barrel for between three months and a year, but Renfrew-based House of MacDuff’s FIFTY/50/GIN contains spirit that has been matured in virgin oak casks for 10 years before being finished in former whisky barrels.

The idea came from the company’s experience with single cask whisky, where its flavour and colour develop during their time in the casks.

Iain MacDuff, product development manager at House of MacDuff said: “We are really excited to have created something entirely different and obviously want to encourage people to try our distinctive blend.”

Two-thirds of the UK’s gin is produced in Scotland with British exports contributing £11 million to the economy so far this year.