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Fortnum & Mason collaborates on special release of ‘The Spirit of George’ gin

The Big Hill Distillery has teamed up with Fortnum and Mason to launch a special bottling of its signature gin ‘The Spirit of George’. 

The gin, which hails from the village of Mobberley in Cheshire, was inspired by the story of British climbing pioneer and local adventurer George Mallory.

In the 1920’s the British Geographical Society sponsored Mallory to summit Mount Everest, a feat that, if successful, would make him the first person to do so.  However, although on 8 June 1924, Mallory was seen advancing towards the top of the mountain and was visible just 800 feet from the summit of Everest, it was a further 75 years before he was found. 

The collaboration honours a unique link between the brands since Fortnum and Mason was allegedly the last shop that Mallory visited ahead of his trip to Everest, with the climber dropping by to purchase some clothing and rope for his expedition, as well as other essential expedition provisions including chocolate, foie gras and Champagne.

The special bottling of The Spirit of George that is available via Fortnum & Mason gives a genial nod to the brand’s story and Everest’s 3 steps are visible on the label with the image of a climber positioned at the 3rd step where Mallory was last seen. 

The Spirit of George uses Nepalese botanical ingredients, with the founders Ben Kaberry and David Clayton working alongside Fairtrade farmers in Nepal to source special ingredients from the Himalayas which combine to create the gin that pair well not just with the liquid but also the provenance of the tale. 

The special bottling of The Spirit of George has been launched as Fortnum and Mason’s ‘spirit of the month’ for all of April.

Meanwhile, Big Hill Distillery is on the expansion trail and has revealed it is looking to enhance its distribution of the brand, revealing that it is in talks with interested parties looking for a discerning gin to add to their portfolio. 

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