IT’S a family affair for hospitality group Crieff Hydro as the company relaunches its gin brand with a new face at the helm.
Charlie Leckie, sixth generation member of the family which owns the Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels, has been appointed to head the company’s 1881 gin distillery, which is located at its Peebles Hydro hotel. A new lead distiller, Dean McDonald, has been appointed to oversee production.
The rebranded 1881 gin range will be relaunched this month. It comprises four varieties: Hydro Gin (40% ABV), Pavilion Gin (40% ABV), Rafters Gin (40% ABV) and Honours Gin (57% ABV).
“The UK’s love of gin shows no sign of cooling off so this is an exciting time to be taking the product to market,” said Charlie.
“We’ve carefully rebranded every element of our gin bottles and 1881 brand. Everything from the label to the capsule, but the same multi-award-winning product remains inside.
“Every aspect of the bottle has been redesigned to reflect our story, with unique artisan illustrations for each flavour to represent our history and passion for the Borders and the product itself. We have ambitious growth plans for the 1881 gin brand with several new products already in the pipeline that are attracting the attention of nationwide retailers.
“We’re so proud of the final result and are delighted to share this with gin lovers across the globe.”
Charlie’s father Stephen, chairman of the company, said the changes mark “an exciting new chapter for our family business”.
“I’m proud to entrust my son Charlie alongside the experienced 1881 Distillery team to lead our efforts in taking this brand from strength to strength,” said Stephen.
The Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels operates seven hotels across Scotland, including Crieff Hydro and Murraypark Hotel in Crieff; Peebles Hydro and The Park Hotel in Peebles; and The Isles of Glencoe, Ballachulish Hotel and Kingshouse Hotel, all in Glencoe.
