The British & Irish Lions and award-winning artisan spirits brand, Slingsby, team up ahead of t
Award-winning Yorkshire artisan spirits brand, Slingsby, has entered into its biggest partnership to date, after signing an agreement with The British & Irish Lions to become the exclusive gin and vodka supplier to this summer’s tour of New Zealand.
The partnership involves brand owner, Spirit of Harrogate Limited, supporting the Lions by providing Slingsby gin and vodka across official Lions supporter events both before the party leaves the Northern Hemisphere and whilst they are travelling throughout New Zealand in June and July.
The brand shall also offer Lions fans the opportunity to purchase a unique collector’s edition gin that pays tribute to the Tour and is aptly named ‘The Lions Gin -Tour Edition’. Taking the classic multi award-winning Slingsby Navy Strength gin the distinctive Tour Edition design will include the cherished Lions crest set against a Lions red background. Only, 2017 bottles will be produced and shall available to purchase directly from www.wslingsby.co.uk from 28 May just ahead of the Tour party’s departure.
The British & Irish Lions Chief Operating Officer Charlie McEwen said: “Spirit of Harrogate’s support around the Tour is a great addition. We are really excited about the events both in the UK and in New Zealand that Slingsby will be available at for our guests.”
Launched in September 2015 by co-founders Marcus Black and Mike Carthy, Slingsby Gin is made with only the finest natural and locally sourced botanicals, Harrogate aquifer water and pure single grain spirit. The key botanicals are locally-grown plants that are synonymous with the beautiful and restorative nature of Harrogate and half of Slingsby Gin’s 24 botanicals have been grown in Harrogate’s Rudding Park Hotel kitchen garden.
Slingsby Gin pays tribute to William Slingsby, who, in 1571, discovered the unique properties of natural spring water from the Tewit Well in Harrogate. Since then, discerning individuals have sought out the picturesque Yorkshire town to restore body, mind and soul by relaxing, indulging and socialising. Slingsby did things differently, thought differently and had a vision that others considered to be extraordinary or even, a little odd; he epitomised the Spirit of Harrogate.
“The partnership is a perfect fit for Slingsby. Like the Lions, we seek to do things differently and look to follow a similar ethos. We are extremely proud of who we are but we also celebrate and respect others that we play against.” comments Marcus Black co-founder and joint Managing Director of Spirit of Harrogate.
Born in New Zealand where rugby is considered to be almost a religion, Black spent his childhood dreaming of playing for the All Blacks.He attended his first Lions match in 1977 at the Carisbrook Stadium, Dunedin and his passion for the game and that of the iconic red jersey has stayed with him ever since.
“The Lions have always been close to my heart. We are truly honored to be able to support the team on their 2017 tour to New Zealand. Having been 40 years since I was last in New Zealand, being able to support the Lions in my birthplace carries extra special meaning for me”
Mike Carthy, fellow founder and Managing Director comments: “Having a deep routed passion for the game, it is an amazing honour to be partnering with The British & Irish Lions. Our core company values mirror those of the Lions – Respect, Passion, Friendship and Integrity. These values are carried through all areas of our business and have been critical to Slingsby’s success and achievements so far.”
Hailing from Leeds with strong ties to the Headingley stadium, Carthy has always been a keen supporter of the both codes both locally and internationally. Having played and coached for a number of regional rugby clubs before he moved upstairs to manage Yorkshire based team; Burley Lions, it is with no coincidence that the team bares a similar name – the admiration and respect for the Lions was his inspiration.
“I fondly remember when the Lions won a series in New Zealand in 1971 and it has always been my dream to see them play the All Blacks so, to support them as an Official Supplier, is an absolute honour.”
The 2017 British & Irish Lions kick off their ten match Tour of New Zealand on Saturday 3 June in Whangarei and culminates with three Test matches against New Zealand starting on 24 June.
