Andover’s Wessex Spirits creates Coronation Gin in collaboration with Hampshire tea and bee businesses

Andover-based Wessex Spirits has created a unique honey and tea flavoured gin to celebrate the King’s coronation.

Gin specialist Kate Griffin, who runs Wessex Spirits, created the gin with honey supplied by Hampshire-based beekeeping supplies business Becky’s Beezzzs, and Darjeeling tea bought from Winchester-based fine tea specialist Char Teas.

The gin, named Coronation Gin, found its identity through a competition held by  Wessex Spirits in which people could suggest flavours for a ‘Royal Gin Recipe’. The winning suggestion, made by a director of Hampshire-based PR agency Polymedia PR Graeme Patfield, was inspired by reports that the King has a cup of Darjeeling tea with honey every morning.

Graeme said:  “We’re used to creating all kinds of inventive campaigns, but a gin is a first! We’re delighted that Kate loved our suggestion – and can confirm first-hand that the gin is delicious.”

A bottle of Coronation Gin is being sent to Buckingham Palace for King Charles to enjoy following his coronation on May 6.

Kate Griffin said: “I’ve created some very unusual flavours before, including a Hot Cross Bun gin for Easter and a hibiscus and summer fruits Summer Solstice gin. When it came to the Royal celebrations I wanted to create something that was inspired by The King’s own tastes – and the tea and honey combination works so well that it was a worthy winner.

“It was an added bonus to be able to work with other local businesses to create the gin – now I just hope it gets the Royal Seal of approval!”

Read more – Hampshire’s The Wasabi Company launches Japanese drinks collection

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