Celebrating its 900th anniversary, one of the UK's oldest castles is launching a small-batch gin known as 'Motte & Baillie.' Only 900 bottles of the spirit will be released and have been crafted in partnership with Kent-based Copper Rivet Distillery. The botanicals used in Motte & Baillie were all taken from the castle grounds and include sweet fig, rosehip and pine. According to Gemma Wright, senior PR for Leeds Castle, "We wanted to create something local and very special for our 900th anniversary and a commemorative gin seemed the perfect product and fit for the Castle."
The name, Motte & Baillie, was specifically chosen as a means of playing on the history of the ancient castle. The first part, "Motte," comes from the style of the castle, which was likely used as a stronghold. The second half of the name references Lady Olive Baillie, the last private owner of the castle.
Castle-Celebrating Gins
'Motte & Baillie' Celebrates the 900th Anniversary of a Historic Castle
Trend Themes
1. Small-batch Gins - Crafting limited edition gins with unique botanicals sourced from specific locations can create a sense of exclusivity and appeal to niche markets.
2. Historical Commemorative Products - Creating products that pay tribute to historical landmarks or events can be a lucrative business opportunity for brand partnerships and limited edition releases.
3. Hyper-local Collaborations - Collaborating with local businesses or organizations to create unique products that celebrate a shared history or heritage can create a strong sense of community and support local economies.
Industry Implications
1. Craft Distilleries - Craft distilleries can capitalize on the growing trend of small-batch and limited edition spirits by sourcing unique botanicals and partnering with historical landmarks or events.
2. Tourism and Hospitality - The tourism and hospitality industry can tap into the demand for historical commemorative products by offering exclusive collaborations or limited edition offerings that enhance the visitor experience.
3. Food and Beverage Retail - Retailers specializing in food and beverages can leverage the popularity of hyper-local collaborations and limited edition products to attract customers looking for unique and exclusive offerings.