The bottle made by Croxsons for the firm’s 'Brunel Edition' is its first new London Dry Gin and the copper label is designed by Green Chameleon of Bristol.
Engineering legacy
“We’re very proud to be based near Bristol and of the rich heritage of the area,” said Michael Kain, head distiller/director, Bramley & Gage/6 O’Clock Gin.
“We wanted to make an ultra-premium gin that reflected some of the city’s fine history, as well as referencing our own engineering legacy.”
It is not the first time Croxsons has worked with Bramley & Gage. The two companies joined forces for the re-launch of its 6 O’Clock Gin in an eye-catching Bristol-blue color bottle, which shares the same shade of blue as many Victorian-era medicine containers.
With its iconic silver ‘6’, the brand is named after the time of day when Edward Kain – Victorian seafarer and great grandfather of Bramley & Gage’s head distiller – used to enjoy his regular G&T.
Kain said since the launch of its blue bottle sales have doubled, showing the power of good shelf appeal.
“Our 6 O'Clock Gin has maintained its success, not only across pubs in the South West, but selling well across the UK and venturing into Spain,” he said.
The Brunel Edition is in recognition of Isambard Kingdom Brunel, a famous 19th century engineer responsible for the design of many tunnels, bridges, railway lines and ships.
Great Western Railway
The work Brunel is best remembered for is his construction of a network of tunnels, bridges and viaducts for the Great Western Railway. In 1833, he was appointed its chief engineer and work began on the line that linked London to Bristol.
Bramley & Gage launched its limited edition 6 O’clock Gin in association with Bristol charity and visitor attraction, Brunel’s SS Great Britain ship.
The gin is made with the original formulation of 6 O’clock Gin with the introduction of six new botanicals – green cardamom, nutmeg, cumin, cassia bark, cubeb and lemon and ‘an increased alcohol content of 50% ABV for a bigger, bolder expression with an intense rich flavor, citrus freshness and a dry spicy finish’.
“Brunel has huge appeal,” added Kain.
“He was once voted the second Greatest Briton of all time, after Winston Churchill.
“His engineering achievements are visible in our bridges, tunnels and railways around the UK and he is remembered with people, places, businesses, even a university, named after him.
“It was an easy choice for us as some of his most famous work is here in Bristol.”
The 6 O’clock Gin Brunel Edition comes in a 70cl black bottle with a copper-foiled label and six different neck tags portraying images associated with Brunel.
For every bottle sold, £1 will be donated to the SS Great Britain Trust, which will be opening the ‘Being Brunel’ museum in February 2018.