Ben Lomond has released its Open Special Edition 2026, a limited-edition gin shaped by the natural landscape of Royal Birkdale, this year’s host venue for the 154th Open Championship
The botanical mix draws directly from the links itself — blackcurrant berries, wild chamomile and sorrel foraged from the course — producing what the distillery describes as a bold, fruit-forward gin with soft floral notes and a herbaceous finish. It is distilled in a classic London Dry style and bottled at 43% ABV.
Birkdale in a bottle
The concept follows a formula Ben Lomond has used since becoming the Official Gin of The Open in 2023: each year’s release is tied to the host venue, with botanicals and bottle design reflecting the character of the course. Royal Birkdale’s exposed, windswept terrain — deep rough, unpredictable coastal weather, undulating fairways — provides the inspiration for 2026’s expression.
The bottle itself features a screen-printed finish with geometric illustrations referencing the iconography of The Open and the course’s natural environment.
This year’s edition has been distilled at Luss Distillery, the newly opened home of Ben Lomond Gin on the banks of Loch Lomond, which is now open to visitors.
Priced at £32, the gin is available now at benlomondgin.com and from Luss Distillery. Spectators attending Royal Birkdale during Championship week will also be able to buy it on site. Ben Lomond will also be operating a gin garden in the hospitality area throughout the event.
Editor Jane Carter tried the Ben Lomond Open Special Edition 2026: I found this to be a light, refreshing and smooth gin, with a gentle character that really comes through alongside a simple, non‑flavoured tonic. No lemon required, the natural sweetness of the blackcurrents comes through to make for a genuinely refreshing G&T.
