Deli | Demijohn - The Liquid Deli
Lemon, strawberry or elderflower vinegars from Dalmeny, vodka from Shetland, Tuscan olive oil, damson gin from East Lothian, Demijohn combines the best of locally sourced Scottish ingredients with those found on the Continent.
Demijohn is unique in Edinburgh (and now Glasgow) in bringing oils, vinegars, spirits and liqueurs together in a liquid deli. These liquids are stored on the shelved in demijohn.
For those not in the know, a demijohn is a large glass bottle used for transport or storage of liquids, often wine or spirits. These big bottles usually were given a protective jacket of wicker, osier, or raffia at the glass factory. Often this work was done by the family of the glass-blowers.
And the effect is stunning. Walking past Demijohn’s first outlet, customers and visitors to Edinburgh cannot help but be drawn in to what is a small deli crafted out of passion and a love for all things food and drink.
It’s range of products are personally selected by owner Angus Ferguson. As he says, that in Demijohn he has a fine blend of his favourite things: his love of Italian oil, good drink, architecture, interior design and of course spending time with his wife.
Demijohn opened its door for the first time in July 2004 in the Grassmarket, Edinburgh (Victoria Street). Unique to Edinburgh, but popular on the continent, customers are encouraged to taste each product before they buy. On entering the deli customers are met with shelf upon shelf of glass Demijohns; large glass bottles traditionally used for storing wines and spirits, from which the deli takes its name. The rows of demijohns contain a diverse range of liqueurs, olive oils and vinegars.
Having tasted and selected their purchases customers then choose from a wide range of Italian glass bottles into which the oil, vinegar or liqueur is to be placed and gift wrapped; it can then be refilled as required.
Also available are a wide selection of delicious spice mixes and the highest quality herbs, all bought from specialist suppliers many of whom are based in Scotland and the UK.
The majority of the liqueurs are made by small scale producers using locally sourced ingredients from within Scotland, such as Blackwood’s 60% abv Nordic Dry Gin - the world’s first vintage gin! Several of the liqueurs make the most of delicious home-grown Scottish ingredients such as Blaeberries, Sloes, and Brambles, and, of course, Whisky, which customers are of course encouraged to try before they buy!
As mentioned before, Demijohn is the creation of ex Black Watch Officer, Angus Ferguson with his wife Frances, who swapped his khaki army uniform for the olive groves of Italy. “Inspired by working and travelling in Europe, I saw the opportunity to bring all that is best about Scottish produce and blend it with the best the continent has to offer. We are so confident in the quality and taste of our oils and liqueurs that we are encouraging our customers to try before they buy; we aim to make shopping a truly tasteful experience! says Angus, the Managing Director.
“We not only offer a different and quality product but also one which is eco-friendly as all our bottles are refillable. Demijohn is also fitted with ash shelves from the Dynamic Woods charitable organization, which “rescues” beautiful native hardwoods that are felled but rejected by the commercial timber trade. We have opted for re-useable delivery containers from suppliers wherever possible and use recycled bags and “friendly” corks.
Demijohn is open for business at 32 Victoria Street, Edinburgh and at 382 Byres Road, Glasgow. Opening hours are from 10am to 6pm Monday to Saturday and 12.30pm until 5pm on Sundays. All information is available on the website www.demijohn.co.uk