BARRY ISLAND GIN Barry Island now has its very own gin

Barry Island Gin

raises a cheer with pick from Heston restaurant

It’s got golden beaches, great views and of course that famous TV show - and now Barry Island also has its very own gin, with a seal of approval from Heston Blumenthal’s Michelin starred restaurant. Barry Island Gin is a high quality, locally produced Welsh gin, made by Claire and Tim Whalley, the husband and wife team behind Craft Republic, the independent bar and bottle shop at the GoodSheds development in Barry. The new product is a labour of love for the pair, who both left high profile corporate jobs to follow their dream of opening a bar and turning their passion for craft beer, wine and spirits into a successful, local business in their hometown of Barry. Since opening, Tim and Claire have been keen to develop a house gin for Craft Republic and worked with a Welsh distiller to choose a unique blend of botanicals, thoughtfully hand-crafted to deliver the perfect balance of juniper, citrus and spice and distilled with pure Welsh water to make a truly local gin. The result is a fresh quartet of blood orange, lime, juniper and thyme, with subtle spice notes to elevate the citrus and deliver a rounded taste that is clean, fresh and bright. The unique flavours of Barry Island Gin have already tickled the tastebuds of some prominent connoisseurs, including the chief sommelier at The Hinds Head in Bray - the Michelin starred pub run by world renowned experimental chef, Heston Blumenthal and part of The Fat Duck Group - which has chosen Barry Island Gin as its gin of the month for December. The small batch, hand crafted Barry Island Gin is also available to buy direct and Tim and Claire have already had orders from across the UK and have been busy hand labelling and packing orders to send to Scotland, Devon, Leeds and Yorkshire, each with a handwritten note. Speaking about the business idea behind Claire and Tim have also just launched Barry Island Rum, and have other products set to launch in early 2021 as part of their range. Claire added: “It’s been tough launching a business in the middle of a global pandemic, but we’re really lucky that our hard work and planning has paid off and we’re now in a position where our dreams have become a reality; we’re bringing cool, unique and quality drinks home to Barry - by making them ourselves!” Barry Island Gin is available to buy online for £34.95 at www.wearecraftrepublic. co.uk/shop or for store pickup at Craft Republic, GoodSheds Lofts, Hood Road, Barry.