It’s easy to get lost in the world of celebrity spirits these days. And we aren’t talking ghosts. The number of tequilas, whiskeys, vodkas, gins and more backed by high powered Hollywood types appears to be going through the roof. The trend is unlikely to slow down. Why not? It’s big business.
Now there’s a product on the market that enters from a different corner of the room. You won’t see actors or singers posing with it any time soon. The products origin speaks for itself and it’s producers think that is more than enough to get you to sample it. They also believe once you do, you will be hooked.
The gin is called Highclere. It is named for the Bristish castle of the same name. Yes, that same one that drew worldwide appeal through the award winning television series and mother picture “Downton Abbey.”
Lord Carnarvon actually lives in the castle. He is the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Godson. He was instrumental in bringing this product to life and will be in Savannah Thursday night for a reception at Garibaldi Seafood in downtown Savannah.
“Four or Five years before COVID, I got a random email from Adam asking if I would like to participate in a spirits business idea.” Says Lord Carnarvon of the inception of the idea. American spirits maker Adam von Gootkin thought Highclere would offer the perfect backdrop for a world class gin.
“I fell in love with Highclere like many millions around the world through Downton Abbey.” He said.
“I thought that Highclere would lend itself well to a spirits brand. To use the resources on the estate itself to create a luxury spirits brand seemed to me like a great opportunity.”
Two years in the making, they launched a few months before COVID-19 shut the world down.
Now, a number of years and over 100 global awards later, they are making two stops promotional stops in America. One of them is Savannah.
“I am so looking forward to visiting Savannah,” said Lord Carnarvon. “Savannah is the oldest city in Georgia and was named for King George II, whose wife Caroline stayed at Highclere. I am sure the parks and buildings in Savannah will remind me of Highclere, and it will be wonderful to explore the city and admire the trees and landscape.”
Lord Carnarvon believes their product is unique in that it captures the ‘spirit’ of Highclere Castle as a high quality product which features citrus and lavender notes grown on the castle’s property.
“It sums up the long history of fine hospitality and house party weekends at Highclere.” he says.
Von Gootkin also believes the backstory of the property and history of the property will appeal to gin enthusiasts around the world.
“Do you know the back story for Tangueray?” says Adam “Neither do I. It allows the story to be told, whether at the bar or maybe in their living room.”
Lord Carnarvon will visit in the United States. He will also be available to sign books at the reception.
Tickets are $125 per person and are available at GaribaldiSavannah.com or on Eventbrite.
