Conservation, Collaboration and Cocktails

Written By: Marlene Osteen | Issue: Winter 2024

It would not be a stretch to say that Old Edwards Inn is unlike any other inn in the country. The small, charming luxury inn has not only achieved status as a Relais and Chateaux property, and Travel and Leisure World’s Best Resort, but was the first hospitality provider in the state to be awarded the N.C. Green Travel Award.

Since its opening in 2009, Old Edwards continues to be the focal point of the Highlands community; the go-to destination for lodging, dining, entertainment, spa treatments, meetings, and weddings. Indeed, the Inn, which since its initial launch has expanded to include two more hotels, would stand out if it were simply luxury accommodations. But from the get-go Old Edwards has distinguished itself with unique features: a concern with environmental preservation and conservation efforts to protect the Plateau’s valuable natural resources.

To further its environmental mission, Old Edwards has engaged in a col-laboration with Asheville’s Chemist Spirits and the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust (HCLT) to create Old Edwards Discovery Gin; a botanical gin using native wild juniper hand-harvested on protected land under the trust’s stewardship.

The collaboration was conceived as a way to highlight and promote the important work being done by HCLT.114 years ago, HCLT began conserv-ing the Plateau’s natural heritage when citizens of the newly formed town of Highlands came together to save HCLT’s first property.

“That same spirit of collaboration continues to fuel HCLT’s efforts,” said Julie Schott, Development Director for HCLT. “Partners like Chemist Spirits and Old Edwards Inn help remind those who love these mountains that each of us play an important role in saving our wild places for the benefit of current and future generations.”

Chemist Gin owner Debbie Word got her start in nearby Glenville, and botanicals native to the North Carolina Highlands have always been a distinctive feature of her gin. In developing the new gin, the culinary and beverage team at Old Edwards worked closely with Word to refine the unique flavor and profile of the gin to meet the Inn’s exacting stan-dards of “sustainability and quality.”

The result is a gin that is a true hom-age to the region – a blending of the subtle minty freshness of sweet birch bark with the gentle resinous notes of native hemlock, the earthiness of Pitch Pine, balanced by the piney essence of local juniper and caressed by the sweet touch of sourwood honey. Food and Beverage Director Chris Huerta explained that “We consider ourselves custodians of this unique and beauti-ful natural environment where, for nearly two centuries, travelers have come from around the world to rest and recharge.”

Look for the Old Edwards Discovery Gin as a key ingredient in signature cocktails across Old Edwards Hospitality properties.

The gin’s initial production sold out quickly at local ABC stores – generating a highly-anticipated restocking in 2024. A portion of the proceeds from every bottle sold benefits HCLT directly.