New whisky and gin tasting company shines spotlight on region’s finest drinks

A NEW whisky and gin tasting company has launched in Devon – shining the spotlight on the region’s finest drinks and distilleries.

Based in Exeter, Azu Spirits is a premium spirits tasting brand, delivering a “blind tasting” experience straight to customers’ doors.

The company’s gin tasting box features selected gins from Atlantic Distillery, Conker, Curio, Papillon, Pothecary and Wrecking Coast, showcasing some of the South West’s finest distilleries. Ellen Gibson, founder of Azu Spirits, said: “Being based in Devon, we’re privileged to have some of the country’s most renowned food and drink producers on our doorstep.

“With our tasting boxes, we’re delighted to showcase some of these incredible local brands, and shine the spotlight on the region’s craft drinks industry.”

Azu Spirits started out with a passion for whisky and other spirits, and has been launched with the aim of inspiring that passion in others.

Ms Gibson added: “With the Covid-19 crisis impacting people across the country, we believe bringing people together through a shared passion is more important than ever.

“While we may be staying inside to do our bit, safely sharing a drink – and an experience – is worth celebrating.”

The company is launching with four boxes; South West Specialist

Craft Gins, Great British Gins, Several Styles of Scotch and The Art of Maturation.

The “Mini” boxes allow customers to take their first steps into the world of whisky and gin tasting. The Classic boxes feature six sample bottles and guided tasting notes, and will be launched later this spring. Customers can sign up to updates for an exclusive 10% off their first order.

Of the firms showcased, Atlantic Distillery is based in Newquay, where it has been making awardwinning spirits on a smallholding since 2016, and is Cornwall’s only Soil Association Certified Organic Spirits.

Bournemouth-based Conker is Dorset’s first gin distillery, Curio is from Mullion in Cornwall, and Papillion is from Dartmoor.

Pothecary Gin is run by Martin Jennings in Dorset, and Wrecking Coast was set up in North Cornwall in 2015.