Lake District distiller's launches Greek gin with Masterchef winner

The award-winning Shed One micro gin distillery in Ulverston launched the Mediterranean-inspired spirit with Irini Tzortzoglou.

The Greek chef is from Crete and moved to the Cumbrian village of Cartmel and won the cooking competition in 2019.

The London Dry Gin, named Yiayia Gin, has been many months in the making with Irini and Shed One founder Zoe Arnold-Bennett joining forces to source, try, test, and taste botanicals that would evoke the flavours and aromas of Irini’s homeland of Crete.

The duo say their creation is a fitting homage to the strong women who influenced Irini’s culinary journey. Yiayia translates as ‘grandmother’ which is a term of endearment and respect conjuring memories of comfort, love and food to Irini.

The drink was inspired by females as well as being created, distilled and bottled by women. They now dedicate Yiayia Gin to women.

"My Yiayia Irini was hospitable and a feeder, and Yiayia Stavroula was tender, warm, and generous" said Irini. "Grandmothers are valued and revered figures, passing on life lessons, treats, and wonderful memories. Yiayia is truly loved by all."

The launch saw a small audience at Shed One of specially invited guests who were able to try a range of Yiayia tipples accompanied by Greek canapés which were carefully crafted by Irini to complement the gin.

Yiayia Gin features vine, fig, olive and lemon leaves, rose pelagonium, seaweed, mushroom, and oregano for a savoury emphasis to pair well with the classic juniper. It can be served straight as a sipping gin, as a classic serve with tonic, or as the base of a gin spritzer cocktail.

Irini knew of Shed One’s range of award-winning gins prior to the collaboration however realised during a ‘Make your own gin experience’ at the old calf shed that Zoe could create something special to remind her of home.

"When we told Irini about our Ulverston Gin, which was made by foraging botanicals from around the local area, we could see her eyes light up," Zoe said. "So began the process of Irini collecting and drying various botanicals for me to experiment with and we both loved the rich savoury and citrus flavours of what is now Yiayia Gin."

Sarah Davies, Business Development Manager at Cumbria Tourism, who attended the launch said: "It’s always great to see collaboration within Cumbria and this is just another example of the fantastic artisan producers our county has to offer."

To find out more and buy direct from Shed One at https://shed1distillery.com/yiayia-gin.