Graham Norton has joined forces with Irish wine and spirit company Barry & Fitzwilliam to launch Graham Norton’s Own Irish Gin, which is available exclusively in SuperValu stores across Ireland.
Following on from the success of Norton’s award-winning GN Wine range, which includes Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, Rosé and Prosecco, the renowned TV presenter's Irish gin celebrates the beauty and unique flavours of west Cork.
An Idea Conceived Over Martinis
Explaining where the idea for an Irish gin was born, Tim Lightbourne, of Invivo (Graham Norton wine collaborators) said, "It all started in London in July last year. We were working with Graham on this year’s wine blends. At the end of a three-hour tasting and blending session, someone suggested we celebrate with a round of martinis. It was over the martinis that Graham introduced the idea of an Irish gin and a plan was born to create one."
Norton decided to work with West Cork Distillers to create his gin. Distilled and produced using 100% Irish grain, Graham Norton’s Own Irish Gin draws its flavour from a combination of 12 botanicals including lemon peel, orange peel, elderflower, rose hip, and fuchsia flowers.
A Lucrative Market
Commenting on the new gin, John Cooney, off-licence trading manager for SuperValu, said, "We’re still seeing a huge demand for gins, and gin sales are constantly on the rise, so to have one on our shelves produced by Graham Norton himself is something about which we’re incredibly excited. The gin market is experiencing strong growth in the take home gin category, with a 44.5% increase in sales over the last year, and we believe that Graham Norton’s new gin will certainly add to those figures. The gin itself is best served simply with Indian tonic water, ice and fresh lime to garnish. This ensures the consumer tastes the real essence of this very fine blend."
"Delighted To Be Teaming Up"
Meanwhile, managing director of Barry & Fitzwilliam Michael Barry stated, "I am absolutely delighted to be teaming up with The Graham Norton wine and gin brands, which will further add to our comprehensive premium range of wines and spirits. Look out for it in a pub near you very soon."
© 2019 Hospitality Ireland – your source for the latest industry news. Article by Dave Simpson. Click subscribe to sign up for the Hospitality Ireland print edition.
