A high-end family-run craft gin, whisky and vodka distillery based in Chatham, Kent has launched a new range of flavoured gin liqueurs to broaden its offer after securing £1 million in debt financing from HSBC UK.

Founded in 2016 by three Russell family members, Russell Distillers, owner of the Copper Rivet Distillery, is one of just a handful of gin distilleries in the UK to brew and distil from farm to glass. Branded R3, the new range of colourful and affordable gin liqueurs includes excitingly-retro flavours such as Jaffa Cake, Rhubarb and Custard, Lemon Sherbert, Strawberries and Cream, and Cola Bottle.

Broadening its offer with the launch of R3 will see the business expand into the mainstream consumer market, in addition to its trade business which supplies to high-end restaurants, bars and hotels. The new range will allow the family-run business to access a new customer base in the burgeoning ‘flavoured gin’ market, which is set to become the biggest growth area for the industry this year.

The Covid-inspired diversification follows Russell Distillers’ successful move into hand sanitiser production, as well as the successful launch and sell-out of its first batch of Copper Rivet Distillery’s Masthouse Whisky in 2020.

Stephen Russell, one of the founders of Russell Distillers and the business’s Commercial Director, said:

“As a result of the pandemic, we’ve accelerated plans to broaden and diversify Russell Distillers’ capabilities. Whilst there remains a substantial and growing customer base who seek out what we are known for and what I call ‘serious’ spirits, there is a new opportunity to engage consumers who want fun spirits, and that is why we have launched R3.

“It’s a truly exciting range of flavoured gin liqueurs. Our Relationship Director at HSBC UK, Ian Nichols, has been incredibly helpful and, without the bank’s support, we wouldn’t have been able to launch the product with such speed.”

Ian Nichols, HSBC UK Relationship Director for South East Corporate Banking, said: “HSBC UK is committed to supporting its customers during these challenging times. We’re pleased to support Russell Distillers in its strategy to diversify in line with changing consumer demands.”

Russell Distillers’ new range of flavoured gin liqueurs are available to purchase online: http://amzn.to/3egJ0Dz