Verdant, the first gin to be distilled in Dundee, has been brought back to life following the announcement that Stargazey Spirits have acquired the brand.
Stargazey Spirits founder, Joe Barber, said, “I was first attracted to Verdant because of its exceptional track record. The history and heritage of a spirit born in Dundee that was a Scottish Gin of the Year at the Gin Awards, and the sole supplier of a House of Commons Gin really interested me.”
With a passion for the drinks industry, and the aim of building local spirit producers, Joe Barber has sought out brands to support with credentials that he believes in. Of Verdant he says, “Once I had a bottle in my hands and got to taste Verdant, I realised just how much potential there was. Verdant is distilled with the highest quality ingredients and is extremely smooth. The quality of the product is incredible, and I knew I had to support the brand and help develop it further.”
Stargazey was initially intended to be a spirit producer but says Joe, “As I spoke with local distillers and discovered the issues they were facing, Stargazey evolved.
“We now help distillers operating on that scale who need support with producing, bottling and storage in order to scale up. In addition to Verdant Gin, we’re working with three other brands including Wrecking Coast Distillery in Cornwall.
“There are so many opportunities for Verdant Gin. We’re excited to take the brand forward, while holding on to the true essence of this incredible spirit.”
As well as Stargazey, Joe is also assistant lead steward of the American Distilling Institutes craft spirits judging having worked with them since 2018. In 2021 Joe also sat as a table chair judge for the World Drinks Awards and has gone on to judge a range of different products including Gin, Rum, Vodka, RTDs, Calvados, Cognac, Armagnac, Tequila and Mezcal. He has also judged gin and vodka categories for the International Wine & Spirit Competition.
