Thank you 2017, here's to 2018
Well, what a year 2017 has been for Curio Spirits!
We started out with a plan to attend a few more shows and events with Curio spirits, perhaps branch out a bit more from our Cornish base and think about launching a new spirit.
However, 2017 has been a total whirlwind of accolades, activity and ambition. Curio Spirits was shortlisted in the top five gin producers in the UK, we've launched two new products and seen our gins and vodkas spread in popularity across the UK and as far away as Hong Kong.
To this success, we'd like to raise a glass to you “ our loyal and gin thirsty supporters “ who have helped us along on this exciting journey.
AWARDS FOR CURIO
Being nominated as one of the top five gin producers in the UK was a huge endorsement of our drinks and ethos, but 2017 will also be remembered for the year that we picked up a silver and a gold medal for our gins from the International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC), a gold medal from The Gin Masters and a top tree 3 star award from the Great Taste Awards out of thousands of entries.
The IWSC said of Curio Spirits: Exotic and enticing on the nose “ something discerningly different....demands attention, and deservedly so.
NEW TIPPLES
Alchemist and Curio conjurer William retreated to his lab for a few weeks and came out with not one, but two new spirits to tempt the curious.
Cornish Cup is a smooth, honey-based gin. We blended our own bespoke botanicals to create a spirit infused with malty Assam tea with exotic cardamom pods and cinnamon. Designed to be enjoyed communally, Cornish Cup can be mixed with seasonal sippers such as lemonade with thyme or ginger beer and is the perfect convivial drink.
Fly Navy Gin is a new hand-crafted gin made in small batches from carefully selected botanicals, including organic Madagascan vanilla, Sansho peppers and local Cornish wild heather to create a floral, citrus gin that is unique, full of character and can be enjoyed neat, as a G&T or in a cocktail. Curio Spirits produced this new botanical gin to mark the centenary of the landing of the first aircraft on a moving ship at sea.
Given our close proximity to RNAS Culdrose in Helston, we wanted to create a gin to mark this important event. Fly Navy is already being served in the Falklands and on the aircraft carrier Queen Elizabeth.
A donation from the sale of each bottle will go to Navy Wings', keeping heritage Naval aircraft in the skies: www.navywings.org.uk
CURIO REACHES OUT
Taking off from our once-a-week appearance at Helston Farmers Market, Curio Spirits has truly spread its wings. We've taken our gins and vodkas to more than 40 events this year as far as London and beyond “ and have been overwhelmed by the reception.
Soon came the increased distribution that saw Curio gracing the shelves of gin parlours, restaurants and hotels across the capital and reaching out far from our base in the south west.
The Chinese have also discovered Curio Spirits, importing our gins into the Langham Hotel, the Mandarin Oriental, the Carlton Ritz and the internationally-renowned Dr Fern's Gin Parlour “ all in Hong Kong. Curio was also an exhibit at the IWSC spirit tasting in Shanghai.
CURIOUS?
Rock samphire, one of the exquisite herbs used in our gin, is hand-foraged from the clifftops near our Mullion distillery.
It grows only in areas sprayed with saltwater and is a natural medicine renowned for boosting the immune system, improving bone density, weight loss and, being rich in magnesium, regulates sleep “ especially welcome after a few Curio gin and tonics!
CURIO SPIRITS COCKTAIL TIME
This winter, we recommend this warming cocktail featuring Curio Rock Samphire Gin. There may be a few elements to gather but the result is worth it with a dark cocktail that's smooth as it is sweet.
Take Me To Tortuga
Curio Rock Samphire Gin, spiced rum, mango puree, lime juice and passion fruit syrup.
CHEERS, HERE'S TO 2018
We're looking forward to a busy 2018, with more developments from the Curio distillery.