The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and East London Liquor Company (ELLC) have released the first spirit as part of their six-year partnership, called Kew Gin.
Kew Gin was created by ELLC head distiller Tom Hills to celebrate the plants and pollinators that allow botanicals to grow.
Bottled at 42% ABV, botanicals used in the gin include Douglas fir, lavender, orange peel, liquorice root and fennel seed.
Alex Wolpert, founder of ELLC, said: “We were so inspired by Kew Gardens UNESCO World Heritage Site, and with their incredible team whose dedication to working with plants and pollinators really make our gin possible.
“When creating this gin, we wanted to highlight some key botanicals which we sourced at Kew Gardens. Bright floral citrussy, the sweet orange and Douglas fir balances perfectly with the lavender – ideal for a wintry G&T garnished with an orange slice or sprig of rosemary from your garden.”
ELLC and Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew teamed up in February this year. Future launches will include ready-to-drink (RTD) expressions and additional spirits, details of which will be revealed in the coming months.
Kew Gin is available online via eastlondonliquorcompany.com and ELLC bottle shops, as well as through shop.kew.org and gift shops at Kew Gardens. It has an RRP of £29.50 (US$39).
Quincy Leon, head of licensing at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, said: “After months of lockdown, the all new Kew Gin has finally arrived to make everything marginally more bearable. The completely new formulation has been developed with our partner, East London Liquor Co.
“The key botanicals in the gin come directly from Kew Gardens, including Douglas fir, which has a wonderful piney flavour. With the addition of lavender and sweet orange, courtesy of our pollinator friends, who are celebrated on the vibrant packaging, the gin is a true flavour of Kew and its values.”
Last month, ELLC revealed a brand refresh and a new white rum, called East London Rum.