CHEAP SHOT!

Distillery sorry for ‘Novichok vodka’

A DISTILLERY has been forced to apologise after it produced a 75% proof vodka named after the toxic nerve agent Novichok.

Bristol Dry Gin advertised the product on its Facebook page on Saturday – three days after a major incident was declared in the Wiltshire town of Amesbury.

Emergency services were called on June 30 after Dawn Sturgess and Charlie Rowley were found unwell. Ms Sturgess, a mother-of-three, died on Sunday.

The distillery said it had received a “flood of enquiries” about the vodka, which went on sale following the safe release from hospital of Sergei and Yulia Skripal.

In posts on Facebook and Instagram, Bristol Dry Gin wrote: “Our limited edition vodka is out! Set at 75%, this smooth drinking spirit is no laughing matter.” VICTIMS: Dawn and Charlie

However, the post was criticised by users on both social networks.

One Facebook user said: “Sorry, I think that is in very poor taste naming a gin after something that is still a very serious situation.”

Another commented: “Pretty poor taste, an innocent woman has died and a man is still critically ill, I think you need to rethink your sales strategy.”

Another Facebook user wrote: “Please withdraw your Novichok, at least until we are certain the container has been found and all those affected have fully recovered.”

Another commented: “Epic fail.”

In a statement, Bristol Dry Gin said: “We sincerely apologise if any offence was caused.”