Worq Hospitality, the Scottish hospitality venture that operates numerous high-end brands including El Santo Latin American Bar & Restaurant in Glasgow’s Merchant City, has announced an exciting new collaboration with one of Scotland’s up-and-coming gin brands.
The brainchild of Glaswegian wedding filmmaker, Andy Samuel, Shipyard Gin – launched in October 2021 is now available across several of Worq Hospitality properties including El Santo, 55 Bearsden Cross, and Riva Boutique Hotel in Helensburgh.
An expertly crafted classic London dry gin distilled in Scotland, award-winning Shipyard Gin has perfumed citrusy aromas of orange, lemon, and lime. The palate is dominated by citrus, herbaceous flavours, and floral notes like gorse and elderflower, well-balanced with alcoholic warmth.
With a long-held aspiration to formulate his own distinctive gin, Andy wanted to pay homage to the rich tapestry of Scottish shipbuilding, particularly in the West of Scotland. The pandemic proved to be a catalyst for his ambitions, with his newfound free time providing him with the perfect opportunity to turn his long-cherished dream into a reality.
“My vision was to create a high quality, exceptional gin brand that celebrates success and resilience, rather than decline,” he said. “My grandfather's tenure as a plater at Scotts Shipbuilding in Greenock, together with my firsthand experiences in the 1990s, witnessing the industry's decline and its devastating impact on the community, fuelled my desire.”
“The closure of the shipyards set many shipbuilding areas into a downward trajectory, a spiral they have been struggling to reverse ever since,” he continued.
“The goal with Shipyard Gin was not just to commemorate history, but to actively contribute to the revival of these areas by creating a successful brand that creates jobs,” added Andy.
“Ultimately, a longer term aim with the business is to attract visitors through a distillery & heritage centre, something of a tourist destination that will include event space and a tasting room, all while celebrating our proud past as world class shipbuilders.”
“We are delighted that we are launching internationally into the USA market in March.”
Having spent December working behind the bar at El Santito, El Santo’s hidden premium speakeasy cocktail bar, Andy has curated a bespoke Shipyard Gin cocktail called Pineapple Mint Fizz, exclusively for the venue. Containing pineapple, which is indigenous to South America, it will be on the menu at El Santito, which showcases several leading spirits brands including Patron Tequila, in its drinks range, until the end of February.
Shipyard Pineapple Mint Fizz
50ml Shipyard Gin
25ml Pineapple Juice
25ml Lime Juice
25ml Mint Syrup
Splash of Ginger Ale
Garnished with mint leaves and a pineapple wedge
Place all ingredients apart from the ginger ale into a shaker with ice. Shaken then strained into a highball glass with ice, topped up with a splash of ginger ale. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and a pineapple wedge