Highclere Castle Gin raises $7,500 for St Patrick’s Cathedral
English brand Highclere Castle Gin has partnered with artist Hunt Slonem to create a limited edition bottling, auctioned in support of St Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City.
Highclere Castle Gin’s collaboration with the American neo-expressionist painter, sculptor, and printmaker raised US$7,500. The funds will support the restoration of the Kilgen Pipe Organ at St Patrick’s Cathedral on 5th Avenue in New York City.
Bringing together fine art and ultra-premium spirits, only three bespoke bottles of the gin were created, hand-painted by Slonem and featuring his signature ‘whimsical yet sophisticated’ neo-expressionist bunnies.
The bottles, hand-signed by the artist and described as a ‘rare collector’s item,’ were auctioned in a private auction.
Adam von Gootkin, founder and CEO of Highclere Castle Gin, said: “This collaboration embodies the heart of craftsmanship – from the gin distilled with botanicals from the gardens of Highclere Castle, to the hand-painted brilliance of one of America’s most celebrated artists.
“We’re proud to support the preservation of an American treasure like the Kilgen Organ through this creative endeavour.”
The Kilgen Pipe Organ, installed in 1928, is considered the foundational voice of St Patrick’s Cathedral. After nearly a century of continuous performance, the instrument urgently needs restoration.
Described as rivalling the pipe organ at Notre-Dame in Paris, the organ is revered by musicians and visitors for its ‘singular sound and majestic presence’.
The auction was part of Cardinal Dolan’s ‘Renew the Living Voices’ campaign, launched in December 2024. The campaign aims to ensure that the Cathedral’s voice will continue to resound for future generations.
More information about the campaign and to support the cause can be accessed on the cathedral’s website.
Highclere Castle, located in Newbury, England, is internationally renowned as the filming location for the popular TV series Downton Abbey.
Its namesake gin was launched in 2019 and is crafted from botanicals sourced from the namesake castle estate, owned and resided by two of the brand’s co-founders, the eighth Earl and Countess of Carnarvon.
Last year, Highclere Castle Gin reported a 29% increase in global sales.
At The Gin Masters 2024 Second Tasting, the gin was recognised with a Gold medal.
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