British brand Reliquum has launched a range of spirits using apples, pears, apricots and plums which haven’t made the grade required by retailers.
Third-generation Essex farmer Pete Thompson created Reliquum London dry gin, which uses an eau de vie made from apples grown on his farm which would otherwise go to waste.
The citrusy beverage, which is said to be mellowed with the floral sweetness of the apples, is made in partnership with John Walters of the English Spirit Distillery.
Reliquum has also developed a London dry gin blended with plums to produce “a bright, sharp spirit with an almond aftertaste” as well as a gin with apricot blend.
The brand said that its fruit is grown in traditional orchards and left to naturally ripen to develop the fullest flavour.
Reliquum founder Pete Thompson said: “We are very proud of this London dry gin, but it is only the first step in our journey towards creating a genuine single estate gin, using ingredients entirely sourced from the fields and orchards of our farm, here in Great Oakley on the north-eastern tip of coastal Essex.”
John Walters of the English Spirit Distillery added: “We pride ourselves on producing the best spirits anywhere in the country and this means partnering with the best growers. We are delighted to work alongside Thompson’s and develop their world-class product.”
Reliquum follows the 2017 launch of Cotchel, which transforms unwanted apples and pears grown on Thompson’s farm into juice.
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