By
Alex Smith |
P&O Cruises is collaborating with gin distiller Salcombe Distilling Co. to develop and install the first distillery at sea on its newest cruise ship Iona. The ship’s custom-made copper still will be used to produce a unique gin, which will be distilled, bottled and labelled onboard.
Salcombe Distilling Co. will also distil the recipe in its 450-litre copper still ‘Provident’ in Salcombe, UK, to be served across all ships in the P&O fleet. The two companies are also working together to develop limited-edition gins taking inspiration from the ports P&O ships visit.
“We are extremely excited to partner on this exciting project with P&O Cruises,” said Angus Lugsdin, co-founder of Salcombe Distilling Co. “To be responsible for creating a unique gin and distilling it onboard the first distillery at sea is a very romantic notion and brings us closer to the intrepid adventurers who travelled the world’s oceans seeking out the finest fruits, spices and herbs.”
Salcombe Distilling Co. will also help create two unique gin experiences for the cruise line. One will enable guests to learn all about the spirit and try a variety of different gins, while the other will provide the chance for them to create their own gin recipe.
“Salcombe Distilling Co. is the perfect partner for us as it shares our zest for adventure and discovery,” said Paul Ludlow, president of P&O Cruises. “It has an unrivalled passion and attention to detail, not only in the award-winning gins created, but also in the unique gin experiences offered. We are incredibly excited by the bespoke gin being created for us, the maiden production run of which will be distilled in the first ever distillery at sea.”
Iona is currently being built at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, and will be launched in May 2020.