A Staffordshire craft gin distillery has linked up with world renowned chef Michel Roux Jr to create a special new product.
Nelson's Distillery and School, based in Uttoxeter, has partnered with the two-Michelin star chef to produce the new ultra-premium Le Gavroche Gin, as a tribute to Michel's restaurant of the same name.
After being impressed by tasting Nelson's Timur Gin, Michel visited the gin company's Grindley Business Village headquarters to help create the new spirit, which will be available to purchase from his classic two Michelin star French restaurant based on Upper Brook Street in London.
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The Le Gavroche Gin is a combination of 28 botanicals blended together by Michel and Nelson's founder – and former chef – Neil Harrison.
Michel said: "I'm extremely honoured to have worked with Nelson’s Distillery to create an ultra-premium gin that we will be proud to serve at our restaurants.
"I was seeking a premium craft gin partner to work with on this product and, by chance, I got to sample Nelson's unique Timur Gin made from a Szechuan pepper only found in Nepal.
"I was extremely impressed and the taste was unique and wonderful so I knew immediately the distiller had a true understanding of developing flavour combinations.
"When I investigated further, it was no surprise to me that Neil also has a background as a chef.
"I look forward to a truly successful partnership with Nelson’s and making the gin available to our diners at Le Gavroche."
Nelson's Distillery and School produces a range of gin, vodka and rum, supplies products to selected bars and restaurants across the country.
The company – which recently completed a £300,000 crowdfunding campaign as part of its plans for international expansion – also has gin schools in Uttoxeter, Leeds, Birmingham, Manchester and Manila.
Master distiller Neil added: "This is a landmark moment for us as a business and I’m incredibly proud to work so closely with Michel on the Le Gavroche Gin.
"I’ve always admired Michel and his work as a chef and I've been fortunate to meet him on a few occasions.
"For someone of Michel's standing to provide such excellent feedback on our Timur Gin and then approach us to say he would like to make a gin together has been hugely rewarding.
"It was fantastic to welcome Michel to the Nelson’s Distillery. We have spent quite some time perfecting the Le Gavroche Gin, experimenting with flavour combinations and ensuring we produce the best gin we possibly could."
The new gin will also be sold through Le Gavroche and Nelson's online shops.
