Ex-rugby players create low-ABV spirit

Four former Welsh rugby players have released Perthyn, a lower-alcohol spirit, ahead of the Six Nations match on Saturday 26 February.

Welsh ex-rugby Grand Slam players Mike Phillips, Shane Williams, Lee Byrne and James Hook have ventured into the low-and-no ‘spirits’ category with the launch of Perthyn Low Alcohol Spirit: The Spirit of Belonging.

Williams said: “We created Perthyn Low Alcohol Spirit to find a sense of belonging and share that with other individuals who value authenticity, reciprocity and quality.

“Perthyn is perfect for health-focused individuals who want to feel included without having to compromise on taste or wellbeing. Perthyn is a constant reminder of how you want to live, so you can try to embody that happiness and bring it with you every day.”

The bottling has been launched in the UK today (22 February) ahead of the third round of the Six Nations Championships, which will see Wales play England at Twickenham Stadium in London.

The brand name Perthyn is taken from the Welsh meaning of belonging. The glass bottle is bevelled, with four lines of the grey logo representing belonging, friendship, emotion and inclusivity. The liquid has been crafted with botanicals local to Cardiff Distillery, where it was produced. Presenting zesty notes of citrus, cardamom and thyme on the palate, Perthyn clocks in at an ABV of 10%.

The expression is available for purchase from Cardiff Distillery for RRP £21.95 (US$29.79) per 700ml bottle.

In December 2021, the Rugby Football Union appointed English brand Samuel Gulliver & Co as the official whisky of England Rugby.

Last year, Pro 14 Rugby entered a three-year partnership with Scotch whisky producer Loch Lomond. The sponsorship saw Loch Lomond become the official spirit of the rugby union competition.