Two London-based spirits producers, Burnt Faith and East London Liqueur Company (ELLC), have partnered to distil an apple brandy to support The Orchard Project.
For the collaboration, the duo has released East London Apple Brandy, which ’embodies the spirit of the East End’.
The limited edition, small batch English brandy was pressed, distilled, aged and bottled in East London.
Simon Wright, founder of Burnt Faith, commented: “This collaboration is further proof that Burnt Faith is not only about exploration and pushing boundaries but also about community.
“For us, this isn’t just about making great spirits; it’s about connecting with our roots, creating something special with friends and giving back at the same time.”
The project started six years ago when Wright, an urban cider maker turned distiller, and Alex Wolpert, founder of ELLC, joined forces to make Dabinett cider.
East London Apple Brandy is made with fermented Dabinett apples, which were turned into cider and distilled in East London Liquor’s hybrid column still.
The raw spirit was aged for six years in ex-Bourbon barrels, where it developed vanilla and pepper notes.
To highlight the local flavour, Annie Elizabeth apples were picked and pressed from a London orchard by the Burnt Faith team and blended into the final mix.
Wolpert said: “Our job at East London Liquor is to make quality, stand-up-and-take-notice booze approachable and accessible to as many drinkers as possible.
“It’s great to have one of our more experimental releases, distilling cider from Simon’s previous business in our East End home, see the light of day and help reinforce our philosophy behind making spirits.”
All the profits from the bottle sales will go to The Orchard Project, the only national charity dedicated to creating, maintaining and celebrating urban orchards.
Kath Rosen, CEO of The Orchard Project, said: “Just like establishing urban orchards, the best things in life take creativity, time, patience and a good dash of community spirit, which is evident in this apple brandy.
“We’re thrilled to be part of this endeavour and grateful to Burnt Faith for donating the profit from these limited-edition bottles to The Orchard Project. This kind donation will help us to connect even more people with community orchards across the UK.”
East London Apple Brandy is described as a versatile spirit, which can be enjoyed neat, over ice, or as an aperitif. It also pairs well with desserts and cocktails like the Sidecar and Hot Toddy.
Limited to just 400 bottles offered at 40% ABV, the apple brandy will be available via select on-trade accounts, the Burnt Faith Brandy House Bar and online from early November.
The label was designed by Eynon Jones, a Walthamstow-based artist with ‘a playful but urban edge’. Eynon endeavoured to capture the vibrancy of East London and the roots of the orchard in his design.
Jones commented: “Throughout my illustration I try to follow positivity as a guide. I found the idea of bringing apple orchards to urban communities particularly joyous and couldn’t say no to such a positive project.”
Earlier this year, the English brandy raised £2 million in funding and launched its Cask Series, beginning with a limited edition expression finished in Bourbon barrels.
At The 2024 Brandy Masters, Burnt Faith’s Batch One brandy was awarded a Gold medal.
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Author: Miona Madsen
