Staff WriterBen Lomond has never been shy about flavour, but this summer the Official Gin of The Open served up something extra special—and no, it wasn’t just another G&T with ideas above its station.
In a competition that married memory with mixology and flavour with fairways, bartender Scott Dunlop of The Albyn Bar & Restaurant in Aberdeen shook up the scene with his cocktail “Bramble in the Rough”, winning the 2025 Serve of The Open with a drink as poetic as it is punchy.
Now in its second year, the Serve of The Open competition by Ben Lomond Scottish Gin has become a spirited ode to golf, storytelling, and terroir. Launched during the 152nd Open at Royal Troon, this year’s edition swung into Royal Portrush with over 30 entries from Scotland and Northern Ireland. After a gruelling round of qualifiers, just eight bartenders made the final cut—and only one could take the trophy.
That honour went to Dunlop, whose creation managed to bottle the wild, windswept romance of the Northern Irish coast. “Bramble in the Rough” is no ordinary cocktail—it’s a masterstroke of storytelling in a glass.
With Ben Lomond Scottish Gin as its soul, the drink features homemade bramble and woodruff syrup, a squeeze of fresh lime juice, a whisper of soda, a saline mist to summon sea air, and a delicate meringue perched like a seagull surveying the cliffs.
Every component was thoughtfully chosen—and in Dunlop’s case, personally foraged. The brambles and woodruff were plucked straight from the hedgerows surrounding Royal Portrush Golf Club. But the drink’s roots go deeper still.
“As a kid, I used to go foraging with my gran along the hedgerows at Old Prestwick Golf Course,” said Dunlop, who hails from Prestwick—the cradle of The Open. “She has Alzheimer’s now, but those memories are still so vivid. This cocktail is for her.”
That blend of nostalgia and nature wasn’t lost on the judges. Paula McIntyre, Chair of the Irish Food Writers’ Guild, remarked: “Scott really managed to capture the essence of both Royal Portrush, the landscape and the town. The use of local ingredients, especially foraged from the course itself, brought a truly personal and grounded touch.”
Joanne Carlin, Head of Sponsorship and Events at Loch Lomond Group, had a hard time putting her glass down. “The creativity and flavour combinations were truly outstanding – I couldn’t resist going back for seconds. It’s a serve that’s absolutely worthy of The 153rd Open.”
And broadcaster Di Stewart, who rounded out the judging panel, summed it up with typical flair: “There was such a fun mix of creativity and proper talent behind the bar. The winning serve really captured the feel of Portrush – fresh, full of personality, and something you’d want to go back for.”
If you’re heading to The 153rd Open this July, you won’t have to hunt for a taste of Dunlop’s winning pour. “Bramble in the Rough” will be available at the Ben Lomond Gin Garden, the Loch Lomond Whiskies Stand, the Patrons Pavilion, and even the Players Clubhouse.
For those unable to make the pilgrimage to Portrush, select bars across the town will also be serving the champion cocktail.
True to form, Ben Lomond continues to raise the bar—literally and figuratively. The Serve of The Open is more than just a contest; it’s a celebration of character, craft, and the courage to tell stories through taste. It’s about freedom in a glass, anchored by nature, memory, and a bit of meringue on top.
For the full story—and to explore Ben Lomond’s limited-edition release inspired by Royal Portrush—visit: 👉 www.benlomondgin.com/153rd-royal-portrush-2025-limited-release-gin
