A NEW family-run craft gin distillery has launched its first drink celebrating an historic Cheshire town.

Developed in honour of Royal herbalist and renowned Dabber John Gerard, Nantwich Gin, from Cheshire Botanicals, offers a fusion of herbs, citrus and floral notes.

The distinctive bottle has also been designed with the help of a local artist to reflect the town’s Tudor architecture, allowing it to take pride of place on the shelves of gin enthusiasts everywhere.

For those who want to get their Christmas orders in early, Cheshire Botanicals is making its first batch of Nantwich Gin, along with a selection of limited-edition rewards, available to supporters of its crowdfunding campaign which closes in late November.

Holly Challinor, Cheshire Botanicals’ head distiller, said: “We wanted our first gin to be a love letter to the town of Nantwich; its stories, personalities, history and culture.

"I grew up around here and the town has been home to some incredible people; people who were innovators of their time and leading names in science, horticulture and botany.

"With a nod to these local heroes and the incredible floral displays that we see every year, we’re using cutting-edge science and technology to craft the finest quality gin, with a bouquet and finish that’s rooted in nature, yet elevated through innovation.”

Inspired by the stories of the local community, the company took more than a year to develop and refine the precise recipe to Nantwich Gin, using cutting-edge iStill technology to fine-tune every aspect: from the first hint of an aroma to the lingering warmth of the finish.

Lemon thyme, lavender and pink peppercorns blend with the heavy juniper notes to create a gin that’s bursting with complexity, nuance and natural notes that conjure colourful images of blooming Cheshire gardens and warm summer evenings.

Nantwich Gin is available to pre-order now through Crowdfunder UK at: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/nantwichgin and will ship before Christmas.