Discover the distinctive charm of our Gunpowder Green Tea , named for its tightly rolled leaves that closely resemble gunpowder. Each leaf unfurls to release a smoothy, robust & lightly smoked flavour that is as intriguing as it is refreshing. Our exclusive packaging, inspired by the exquisite engravings on mid-eighteenth century lobe-butt pistols crafted in Doune, adds a touch of history and elegance to your tea experience. This gun in particular can be found just across the water from Mallaig, in the exhibit at Armadale Castle on the Isle of Skye. 
 
A Bit of History
"These types of pistols were popular with officers of Scottish Highland regiments. The Murdoch family, namely John and later Thomas were one of the families of apprentice gun makers which followed the original Doune maker, Caddell. 
 
During the 1745 Jacobite Rebellion, contemporary artwork shows that this style of pistol was being carried in the belt of Jacobite and Hanoverian soldiers. Following the failure of this rebellion, the Disarming Act would have reduced demand for manufacture of these and other weapons. 
 
The style is called a 'lobe-butt', which came slightly later than the more common scroll-butt seen in Doune pistols, though both were being produced into the mid-eighteenth century. Characterised by their highly decorated barrels and lock plates, this pair of pistols also feature the leaf and scroll designs which give them a celtic style. 
 
These items came into the Armadale Castle collection around 1980, and it is thought that they were given to Macdonald of Kingsburgh by Lord Macdonald in 1842."