Brewing firm raises a glass to gin brand acquisition

A Sheffield-based brewing firm has strengthened its foothold in the gin industry with the acquisition of Leeds Gin.

True North Brew Co, which last reported annual revenues of £12.9m and pre-tax profits of £612,158, said the  purchase would bring with it a reinvigoration of the Leeds Gin brand with plans for new flavours, limited edition releases and a newly-developed recipe.

Leeds Gin was founded by Sara Birkinshaw is made in Stourton and sold across the Yorkshire region in bars and restaurants.

The range consists of Leeds Gin Original, Minerva’s Garden, Whote Rose, and Palma Violet.  The small batch Yorkshire spirit is distilled with traditional botanicals such as juniper berries, coriander seeds, cassia bark, orange peel and Yorkshire foraged Rhubarb.

After the success of Sheffield Dry Gin, True North Brew Co plans to showcase a new look to the Leeds Gin brand and develop the recipe by bringing its years of expertise crafting premium gin. This will include an update to the core range and several limited-edition flavours will also be released.

Sheffield Dry Gin was the first gin to be distilled and bottled in Sheffield in over 100 years. Made with an unusual selection of fennel, cardamom and gentian root that lend the gin its dry, herbaceous character. The recipe is known for its inclusion of local producers, Sheffield Honey and Henderson’s Relish, which bring more complexity to this unique spirit.

Managing Director of True North Brew Co, Kane Yeardley, said “Ever since we got into the gin game, the two concepts we’ve always stuck by are quality and creativity. We want to develop exciting, new spirits that don’t compromise on flavour, that’s why we distil using traditional techniques and the best local ingredients that we can find.

“When the opportunity came up to acquire Leeds Gin, it was a no-brainer for me. The brand has a really great following over in Leeds and I think there is so much opportunity to bring the expertise of our distillers to the brand and take it to the next level.”