NEWS
Winter ’ s Embrace – beautiful artwork from Mackenzie Thorpe .
State of the
Art
WORDS : JULIE BURNISTON
A beautiful winter edition gin in collaboration with renowned Teesside-born artist Mackenzie Thorpe has been launched by Steel River Drinks
‘ Winter ’ s Embrace ’ is a Teesside dry gin which includes citrus , spices , frankincense and foraged botanicals such as mulberries and holly .
The first of two collaborations with Mackenzie , it ’ s sold in a presentation box with two goblets .
The 70ml bottle features not only the trademark Steel River gin flask containing sloe gin , but also ‘ Snow On The Tees ’ – an original artwork by Mackenzie which shows the Transporter Bridge and a father and daughter embracing while sat on a jetty overlooking the Tees .
“ I ’ ve always wanted to work with Mackenzie because I ’ m a huge fan of his work and I love the fact that he ’ s never forgotten his Teesside roots ,” said Jay .
“ I contacted him on the off chance of working with him and to my surprise , he already knew about Steel River via our charity work with local foodbanks , and he ’ d read my story on our website .”
Mackenzie himself was only too happy to help a fellow Teessider .
“ Anyone who knows me knows my passion for Teesside ,” he says .
“ I do as much as I can for charity in the region and I always support those who are
PICTURE : CHRIS BOOTH
Gin heaven – Steel River Drinks ’ first shop on Portrack Lane . trying to bring employment and success to my home town .
“ I was touched by Jay ’ s story and impressed by his hard work and determination to make Steel River Drinks a success .
“ When we spoke , I was excited by the idea of collaboration especially as both Jay and I agreed that a percentage of money from every bottle sold would go to Teesside charities .”
Winter ’ s Embrace and the gin to follow , which will be called Infant Hercules , are both Teesside dry and extra special , given they are the final bottles in the Steel River Gin collection .
“ After these two editions I ’ ve said everything I need to say with gin really ,” explains Jay .
“ I might bring out the odd flash edition , but we have different plans for 2022 , including encouraging people to visit our first shop in our new 4,000 sq ft Stockton unit behind B & Q on Portrack Lane , which opened in November .
“ It ’ s a place where the public can come from 9am until 7pm , six days a week , and buy from our full range of gins and range of merchandise .
“ We have beanies , scarves , T-shirts and hoodies , glassware and artwork prints – not to mention our candles , which have gone down a storm .”
Jay is also thrilled to be launching a gin school from the Stockton premises .
“ People can learn about the history of gin and how we make it , then have a go at making their own and take it home ,” he says .
“ It will be great for birthdays and team bonding days .
“ We will also be offering gin party nights on Fridays and Saturdays , with music and food and the chance for guests to see gin being made .”
The party nights will launch with some VIP nights where Jay and the team will invite all those who have supported their journey so far , including the Steel River 265 Gin Club members .
“ After that people can book through the website or by ringing our first dedicated phone number ,” says Jay .
As if that wasn ’ t enough , the Steel River Drinks new chapter also includes its first beers and lager range and a rum , both launching in early 2022 , and a whisky which is currently ageing in sherry casks that Jay sourced from Cadiz , Spain , planned for release in 2024 .
“ I can ’ t stop ,” laughs Jay . “ We are a fully licensed distillery and brewery with the space now to push on . Plus , I ’ m Teesside through and through .
“ We don ’ t lay down , we adapt , regenerate and keep growing .”
Winter ’ s Embrace box set retails for £ 54.95 from steelriverdrinks . com
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