Penrhos and Oddbox create pear and chilli gin
English producer Penrhos Spirits has partnered with mission-driven food company Oddbox to launch the UK’s first pear and chilli gin.
The limited edition Penrhos Pear and Chilli Gin is crafted using Oddbox’s ‘imperfectly perfect’ pears and locally grown, oddly shaped jalapeño chillies from West Sussex, which are at risk of being wasted.
The new expression is the second collaborative release from the duo, following Cucumber and Apple Gin, which was released in 2023.
Penrhos set out to celebrate and support the growers behind this year’s harvest by undertaking a comprehensive recipe development process, testing more than 20 different formulations to achieve the ideal balance.
The final blend was chosen after thorough evaluation by Penrhos’ expert gin tasting panel, who held several tasting sessions to compare different chilli varieties and spice combinations.
Said to be the first pear and chilli-flavoured gin launched in the UK, the gin brings ‘sweet heat’ to the spirits category.
Sweet heat, also known as ‘swicy,’ remains a top flavour trend across all food categories in 2025, with many new flavour combinations entering the global food and drinks market, according to Flavour Trends data.
Harriet Evans, co-founder at Penrhos Spirits, said: “We are incredibly proud of our new Pear and Chilli Gin, which has been our most challenging gin to create to date. Oddbox has again worked with us on this exciting flavour combination, and this year’s wonky and incredibly spicy jalapeños mean we have had to completely rethink our approach to achieve the right balance of flavours.
“This is a gin for those who can handle the heat. Our gin tasting panel had an absolute blast fine-tuning the unique flavour – there were some seriously ‘heated’ debates about spice levels. The winning blend delivers a serious kick of warmth to complement the sweet pear notes, which will delight spice and gin lovers alike.”
To celebrate the launch, both brands have created a ‘Pick Your Personality’ quiz that helps gin lovers discover whether they prefer sweet, savoury, or bold cocktail flavours, with personalised Pear and Chilli Gin cocktail recipes for each profile.
Evans added: “The unique flavour of the liquid opens up so many new cocktail possibilities, from refreshing spritzers that highlight the pear sweetness to bold serves where the chilli really shines through. For the launch, we wanted to create something fun that reflects the playful nature of this collaboration, and the quiz helps people understand their flavour personality while discovering new ways to enjoy our Pear and Chilli Gin. Whether you’re team sweet, team savoury, or team bold, there’s a perfect serve waiting for you.”
Limited to 500 bottles at 42% ABV, the collaborative expression is available from 1 November for £34.95 (US$47).
Emilie Vanpoperinghe, CEO and co-founder of Oddbox, commented: “Our new collaboration with Penrhos Gin proves that the best flavours often come from the most unexpected places”
“We know that our customers love the variety and discovery they get from rescuing fruit and veg, so this collaboration with Penrhos gives them a unique way to enjoy these perfectly tasty chillies and pears in a sophisticated gin blend. It all helps to support growers and show what’s possible when we rethink food waste.”
Earlier this year, Penrhos launched a month-long TV advertising campaign across Sky’s network of channels.
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