Spirit of the Chiefs
By Mark Stevens
30/8/18
Supporters of Exeter Chiefs will have extra reason to toast the success of their club after it was announced today they have teamed up with Salcombe Gin to launch a new special edition gin ahead of the 2018/19 season.
On sale from Saturday, 1st September, the new Exeter Chiefs Gin has been produced in honour of the Devon club, who are about to embark on their ninth year in English rugby’s top flight, as well as tackling the elite of the European game in the Heineken Champions Cup.
This special edition gin is Salcombe Gin’s multi award-winning ‘Start Point’, which will presented in an Exeter Chiefs’ commemorative bottle – 50 of which have been personally signed by Exeter Rugby Club chairman Tony Rowe OBE and Chiefs’ Director of Rugby, Rob Baxter.
The exclusive signed bottles will be on sale on a first-come, first-served basis prior to Saturday's fixture against Leicester, with opportunities to taste the gin. The gin will then be available exclusively at Sandy Park's Trading Post, the club’s online shop and at the distillery in Salcombe at a cost of £44.95 per bottle.
Welcoming the new partnership, Mr Rowe said: “One of the great things about the Exeter Chiefs is how the whole of the region has got behind the team. Coming together with one of Devon’s most innovative young brands is a brilliant fit.
“As a club, we are very proud to be working with Salcombe Gin and are excited to be selling bottles of this special edition gin as we prepare to kick-off the new season at Sandy Park.”
The Salcombe Distilling Company has rapidly risen to international prominence making outstanding handcrafted gins in its 450l copper still, named Provident as an expression of respect for the famous trawler. The company’s Distillery, Bar and Gin School are based in Island Street, the traditional boat building quarter of Salcombe.
The ‘Start Point’ 44% ABV is the company’s flagship gin, adhering to the exacting ‘London Dry’ standard – and it harbours distinct notes of red grapefruit, along with the heady, earthy pine notes of the finest Macedonian juniper, and is the perfect balance of aromas and flavours with an amazing fresh, lingering finish.
Elegantly smooth and versatile, this exceptional gin can be enjoyed on its own over ice, is flawless in a Martini and makes the ultimate ‘Salcombe and Tonic’.
Howard Davies, co-founder and director of Salcombe Distilling Company, added: “This is a collaboration made in heaven. The phenomenal success of the Exeter Chiefs over the last few years has done an enormous amount, not just for Devon, but for the South West, and has shone a spotlight on all the exciting things happening here.
“Salcombe Gin is right at the centre of what many people are calling the Devon Renaissance and we are delighted to be teaming up with the Chiefs through this special partnership.”
