A visiting dignitary brought the gift of London dry gin to the Forbidden City, and in return the Empress gave him a rare bird, held within a beautiful crafted cage.
The exchange of gifts is a traditional part of Chinese culture, to show solidarity when attending a formal meeting, where tea was served. The Forbidden City had its name-sake because outsiders were refused entry, until Empress Cixi began to relax these rules. The concept embraces tradition: easily understood by the Chinese Baijiu drinker, whilst also being forward facing, to establish a new complete category in China.
The liquid combines Classic London dry Gin botanicals with a hint of infused premium Chinese tea and locally grown citrus fruits. The range includes a juniper Variant, as well as mandarin liquid and a gin with a hint of Yuzu. The premium spirit is ideal for making a Gin Martini with depth and complexity, or a refreshing G&T.
The project includes brand strategy, naming, flavour innovation/range architecture, bespoke 3D bottle design, and brand identity, with an illustration and typography being done in house at Intertype Studio.
The bottle is available to buy in T House Time, a chain of premium Tea Houses, as well as being sold online. The Gin will eventually be available world wide.