Burnley distillery releases new 'Don’t Bottle It Up' gin for charity

'Don't Bottle It Up', which is the company's Innovations Club release for May, has been crafted to symbolise the importance of taking a moment out to connect with close family and friends.

The concept was planned well in advance of the Covid-19 pandemic. But rather than put it on hold, the team decided it was more important than ever to highlight how crucial breaking away from daily stresses is at the moment.

“While we are isolating and distancing from those who mean the most, we can still come together virtually over a drink," said operations manager Johdi Dinsdale.

“After some personal struggles with mental health, the team at HQ set out to use the Innovations Club as a platform to raise the important issue of meaningful conversation.

"Starting the conversation isn’t always easy, especially for men, but it is time to break that stigma and recognise that it’s ok to reach out.”

The team has a series of ‘Virtual Bars’ on Facebook and Instagram which has allowed them to share their ‘behind the scenes’ distillery stories and answer audience questions in a more personal way than before.

Throughout May there will be a series of virtual events that focus on Don’t Bottle It Up gin - openly discussing mental health, the help that is available, and providing a community for anyone to join.

Head distiller Ollie chose to focus on botanicals from the rose family as a sign of love and compassion.

“Rose is an interesting botanical," he said. "In tarot, a symbol of balance, new beginnings and hope. All very relevant when it comes to opening up and talking about our mental health.”

This month, proceeds from Don’t Bottle It Up will be donated to the Lancashire Women charity.

For each person who signs up to the Batch Innovations Club in May, £5 will be donated to the charity, which allows both women and men to access mental health services for free.