New Forest-based 820 Spirits today announces it has become an official partner for the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ Club as part of its celebration of 120 years of Rolls-Royce.
To mark the occasion, the distillery has created ‘The Whisper’, an 82-day oak-aged gin which has already won ‘Gold’ award in the Gin Masters 2024 competition.
With a refined balance of juniper, bright citrus, and the subtle warmth of Szechuan pepper, this unique gin is celebrated for its fresh, harmonious notes, while the sweet vanilla and caramel richness imparted by oak aging make the spirit both bold and elegantly smooth.
A tribute to heritage and craftsmanship
Inspired by and named after a small figurine that was the precursor to the Rolls-Royce Spirit of Ecstasy, ‘The Whisper’ is being created as an exclusive batch. The statuette was a tribute commissioned by the 2nd Baron Montagu of Beaulieu in honour of his love, Eleanor Thornton, and immortalised on his 1909 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost. It would go on to later inspire Rolls-Royce’s iconic ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’ emblem in 1911, which were both designed by Charles Sykes.
Jonny Simpson, co-founder of 820 Spirits, says: “We are delighted to be a partner for such a prestigious brand, especially one that we have a personal connection with. Our links with the Montagu family and Beaulieu go way back as both of our great-grandparents worked on the estate.
“Our great-great grandad was the gamekeeper of the Montagu estate for the 2nd Baron Montagu, our great-grandad was a butler, and our great-grandma cooked for Lord Montagu the 3rd. Our great-grandmother’s recipe is the same one we use in our sloe gin.”
Tom Simpson, co-founder and chief distiller at 820 Spirits, says: “In every bottle of The Whisper, we capture this essence of power and grace, crafting a gin as timeless as its muse. Sleek, smooth, and full of depth, it is a journey for the senses from the first sip to the last. The gin has a bold juniper foundation, complemented by bright lemon citrus and a hint of fruity Sichuan pepper.
“This gin is aged for 82 days in New Forest oak, with the alcohol percentage adjusted by 1% every five days to extract distinct flavours from the wood. Starting at 60% ABV, it first draws in vanilla undertones. As the ABV gradually lowers, caramel notes and a gentle sweetness emerge alongside the oak’s depth, creating a smooth, balanced gin that’s perfect for sipping neat or mixing with tonic.”
Selected for book celebrating 120 years of Rolls-Royce
The name Rolls-Royce has always been synonymous with the very best in luxury and motoring. The International Club for Rolls-Royce and Bentley Enthusiasts (or the RREC as it is known) has announced the launch later this year of a high-end book entitled 120 Years of Rolls-Royce, celebrating the landmark anniversary of the world’s best car in which 820 Spirits is featured.
Produced in partnership by the RREC and publisher St James’s House, the beautifully illustrated hardback publication features the writing of one of the automotive industry’s most experienced and respected motoring correspondents, Ray Massey of The Daily Mail.
At over 400 pages, the beautifully designed book presents the past, present and future of Rolls-Royce, exploring its storied history, its current record-breaking success and its pioneering work into the luxury driving experience of tomorrow, as represented by the newest model to grace the marque’s stable, the all-electric Spectre.
To resonate with the book’s theme of industry excellence, 120 Years of Rolls-Royce also features a carefully curated selection of sophisticated brands, providing readers with an elegant lifestyle guide to a world of luxurious tastes, products and experiences.
The Whisper will be launched at the Rolls-Royce member event in December and can be ordered from our shop.
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The Whisper£100.00
