Chapel Down enters RTD market with gin and tonic cans

English drinks company Chapel Down has made its first foray into the convenience and ready-to-drink market with the launch of a pre-mixed gin and tonic in a can.

The canned cocktail features the producer’s Bacchus gin, which is a grain spirit made with Bacchus grape distillate. The gin is infused with juniper, coriander, elderflower, orris root, angelica, lavender, orange peel and lemon.

Chapel Down has teamed up with London-headquartered tonic water producer Double Dutch to provide the mixer, selecting “the lightest of the tonics” to blend with the gin.

The 250ml can is available at Selfridges for an exclusive launch period as well as direct from the Chapel Down website. A case of 12x 5.5%ABV cans are priced at £25.

Commenting on the launch, Chapel Down winemaker Josh Donaghay-Spire, said: “The intense refreshment, the ‘zing’ of Chapel Down Bacchus Gin shines through in this classic G&T serve. The tonic selected enhances the heady aroma of intense citrus peel, juniper and freshly cut grass followed by a palate dominated by ripe citrus fruit with a herbal finish.”

Chapel Down has recently opened its Gin Works bar and restaurant at London’s King’s Cross which includes an on-site distillery. It also recently launched a pink gin made with Pinot Noir grape distillate, which it claims is the first gin to be made using the grape variety.

The brewing and cider division of the company, known as Curious Drinks, will shortly be opening its new brewery in Ashford after completing payment for the 1.6 acre site in November 2017.

The Kent-based business is also expanding its wine production after beginning plantings its 388-acre Boarley Farm site. Boarley Farm, together with the Kit’s Coty and Boxley sites, will form a 620 acre estate of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier plantings to make sparkling wine.