The founders of small-batch gin brand The Apiarist have introduced a new ‘Forager Edition’ of the spirit to market, containing the same rich, sweet honey base as the original signature version but finished with a special ‘forager’s tea’.
After being blown away by the initial success of The Apiarist since its launch in October last year, husband and wife Alex and Natalie Conti decided to create a brand-new batch of gin centred around one of their favourite hobbies, foraging.
Much like its predecessor, The Apiarist Forager Edition is infused with raw honey from the Conti’s very own home apiary and contains botanicals such as juniper, coriander, orris root and lemon peel. Inspired by local hedgerows, the unique forager’s tea consists of blackberries, elderberries, wild strawberry leaves and apple, giving the gin its natural pink hue.
Alex Conti explained the idea behind the new Forager Edition of The Apiarist: “Building on the smooth, balanced taste of The Apiarist, we were inspired by our hedgerows to create something that the forager bee would be proud of. We took the flavours of our local environment and built a complex play of taste notes… Oh, and did we mention it’s pink?”
Natalie added: “What started as a simple extension of our home apiary during the initial lockdown last spring has naturally turned into a thriving business within the space of just a few months and we couldn’t be prouder.
“By launching The Apiarist, we’ve been able to spend more time together as a family, all whilst boosting the bee population – what more could you want?
“We’re extremely excited to introduce our brand-new gin to market and cannot wait to see how it is received by our loyal customers.”
Keen beekeepers Alex and Natalie created the first batch of The Apiarist after being left with a surplus of honey when they expanded their home apiary during the first lockdown last year. Since then, the operation has expanded, and the couple are receiving orders from all around the UK.
The signature version of the one-of-a-kind gin is currently stocked in numerous bars and restaurants across the West Midlands including The Spirit Works, Swinfen Hall, The Trooper, Harborne Kitchen and Michelin starred Purnell’s.
The Apiarist Forager Edition is currently available to purchase directly from their website: