Ten bottles of Sir David Hempleman-Adams Explorers Grand Slam Gin, inspired and signed by the legendary British adventurer, are going under the auction hammer towards the end of November to help raise funds for Prostate Cancer UK.
This inspirational new gin is the brainchild of Phil Kite, ocean rower and founder of the Adventurers Drinks Company.
He wanted to create a gin to celebrate Sir David’s unique claim to fame — the first person to achieve the Explorers Grand Slam by climbing the highest summit on all seven continents and walking to the North and South Poles.
The unique flavour profile of this premium gin was created by infusing botanicals from each of the seven continents including juniper, coriander, thyme and orris from Europe and angelica from North America.
Liquorice is from Africa; cassia bark, cardamom and bay and from Asia. Batak pepper is from Australasia; lemon and orange from South America, and sea salt from the Antarctic.
Together they produce a fragrant, aromatic and slightly peppery gin, with citrus notes — designed to be a truly inspirational spirit, encapsulating its adventurous origins.
Each bottle celebrates the individual challenges — the seven summits, the two poles and the Grand Slam — all signed by Sir David to commemorate each achievement; the bottles come with their own presentation box and ownership certificate.
Commenting on the new gin that was launched in October 2024, Sir David said: “I am delighted to be the inspiration for Explorers Grand Slam Gin. My love of adventure and exploration started when I took part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme and being the first to achieve the Explorers Grand Slam is something I look back on with pride.
“The world and its climate have changed considerably since I started out on my first climb, and I am delighted that the first ten bottles of gin will be auctioned, helping to raise some money for Prostate Cancer UK.
“One of my heroes is Shackleton, who took Mackinlay’s Rare Old Highland Malt Whisky to bolster team spirit on his Antarctic expedition in 1907; toasting Shackleton has become a tradition amongst those who have been to the Arctic. I am looking forward to doing the same with Explorers Grand Slam Gin”.
Phil Kite, the founder of Adventurers Drinks Company, was delighted to have the support of Sir David: “He is one of the world’s most inspirational adventurers and continues to explore the world from the land, sea and air.
“I have created an inspirational gin that captures the essence of his achievement by the inclusion of botanicals from all seven continents. The ten signed bottles will appeal to gin lovers and those interested in exploration and adventure, and acquiring a piece of history”.
The ten bottles will be going under the hammer during the Anderson & Garland Christmas Country House & Fine Interiors Auctions (28/29 November 2024) and all the bottles can be viewed online.
A bottle of this exquisitely smooth gin found its way to the offices of Hand Crafted Drinks Magazine, which was impressive, to say the least.
The 12 botanicals, along with the Antarctic sea salt, produce a complex flavour profile with depth and warmth; juniper is the essential botanical for gin, which has been expertly balanced with the other botanicals that have been sourced from across the globe.
The Batak pepper provides a spicy kick, but never overbearing and the oranges and lemons provide a citrus twist that tames the heat.
It’s hard to find enough superlatives for this gin, which has been launched into a crowded market, which according to Statista will exceed 78m litres in 2024, with annual growth of over 2% per year forecast until 2029.
As the gin market has grown, however, consumers have become increasingly discerning and their expectations are high, especially in the premium segment that this gin can confidently join.
That this gin will be helping to funds for a very worthwhile cause is the icing on the cake for the founder; we all hope that the auction is a success and puts this gin firmly on the map.
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