Isle of Cumbrae Distillers collaborate with Waverley on gin

Jul 03, 2023

A new partnership between the Isle of Cumbrae Distillers and the iconic paddle steamer, the Waverley, is ship-shape with the launch of a special bottle of gin.

The island business has collaborated with the Waverley Steam Navigation Co. Ltd. for the production of Waverley gin, which will launch on May 19 in conjunction with the start of the ship's season.

A percentage of sales from each bottle will go towards the ongoing costs of running the vessel, as it paddles around the west of Scotland with regular stops in Largs and Cumbrae.

Distiller Philippa Dalton revealed the island ladies were approached about collaborating with the iconic paddle steamer on a new gin bottle.

She said: "The team behind the Waverley got in touch with us because we are central here to a lot of their major routes.

"They came in to try the gin and they loved it, so we’ve launched one of our current gins as a new Waverley Gin.

"We arranged for artwork to be done much the same as our Maura gin which is a big hit, so we’re left with a jaunty little bottle.

"Artist Ruth Slater designed the front, and we think it looks absolutely fantastic even if we do say so ourselves."

The Waverley gin will be produced in two sizes and is available for purchase onboard Waverley, in her bars and gift shop, and through Waverley's online shop.

It will also be available for purchase through Isle of Cumbrae Distillers, in their Millport shop, through their online store, and from select UK stockists.

Philippa admitted the distillers are delighted to donate a portion of every bottle sold to support the upkeep of the iconic vessel.

She explained: "It is a lovely bottle which we are selling here on Cumbrae as well as on the ship itself and online.

"It's a great commemorative bottle, and would be perfect for any lover of our gin or of the Waverley too.

"It is a nice touch to launch the gin at the start of the Waverley's new season, when it will be sailing all over Scotland.

"Part of every bottle goes to the Waverley fund, which will help it keep running and give folks enjoyment for many years to come."

"The Waverley is such a big part of our island's heritage and we are so glad we can help celebrate it with its own bottle."

The first batch bottles will go on sale on Friday, May 19 at 10am at: www.isleofcumbrae-distillers.com/waverley, as well as onboard the vessel.

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