Heston Blumenthal releases Earl Grey Gin with Waitrose

Michelin-starred celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal has created a new Earl Grey and Lemon Gin made from British potatoes for UK supermarket chain Waitrose.

Heston Blumenthal has continued his reputation for innovation by releasing an Earl Grey and Lemon Gin for Waitrose

Made in collaboration with Chase Distillery in Herefordshire, the gin marks the first spirit to be added to the Heston from Waitrose range.

Distilled using traditional gin botanicals including juniper, coriander, almond, orris root, angelica, lavender and liquorice, the spirit is subsequently infused with a lemon Earl Grey tea.

“This gin has a fantastic balance of earthy, aromatic notes of bergamot and a citrusy tang of lemon,” said Blumenthal. “Since we’ve packed so many flavours into this wonderful gin, all you need to do is add a splash of tonic and a slice of lemon to make a classic British tipple.”

While Earl Grey is becoming something of a signature flavour for the Heston from Waitrose range, appearing in products such as Earl Grey and Mandarin Hot Cross Buns, Waitrose believes the gin’s launch is an innovation for the group.

“Gin is the trendiest tipple around, with sales up 13% year on year at Waitrose,” said Herchelle Perez Terrado, Waitrose spirits buyer. “Underground gin bars are popping up all over London and pubs are starting to sell lesser known craft brands. The scope for creativity in the blend of botanicals is what makes gin so special and this Heston from Waitrose Gin is no exception.
“We’re proud that the gin is made from British potatoes in the London Dry style and hope that it will open the door to new gin drinkers who will enjoy the unusual flavours from the Earl Grey tea and lemon combination – a first for us as a supermarket.”

The Heston from Waitrose Earl Grey and Lemon Gin is due to be launched exclusively across Waitrose’s supermarkets on 1 October for £22 for a 70cl bottle.