Phoebe Waller-Bridge has partnered with Ian Macleod Distillers-owned Edinburgh Gin to create a limited edition bottle, inspired by her award-winning play and TV show, Fleabag.
The collaboration hinges on the gin’s namesake city, where Waller-Bridge first performed Fleabag as a solo act at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2013, the script would later be adapted for TV screens, and would premiere on BBC Three to great critical acclaim.
The bottle design has allowed Waller-Bridge to express the city of Edinburgh’s significance in her artistic career.
Speaking on the drink Phoebe Waller-Bridge said:
“Gin and theatre are my two great loves. We wanted this bottle to capture a glimpse of Edinburgh in all her mystery and wonder, through the eyes of Fleabag who found her first home there.”
In this spirit, Edinburgh Gin has pledged to donate all profits from the bottle’s sales to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2022. The brand anticipates a sum of more than £150,000 (around US$207,770) through the project.
Waller-Bridge added:
“I hope every purchase inspires outrageous and creative conversations over ice while bringing the beloved Fringe festival back to life.”
The gin’s packaging features a note written by actor Andrew Scott, who portrayed a sexy priest, and love interest on the BBC show. “If that isn’t incentive enough to hunt one down and hold it against your cheek, I don’t know what is,” said Waller-Bridge.
The liquid itself is Edinburgh Gin’s classic London dry expression, which takes its inspiration from the city’s landscape and includes botanicals such as pine buds, lavender and mulberries.
The limited edition bottling is priced at £48 (US$67) and will be available to purchase on 20 July to those who sign up in advance at Edinburgh Gin’s official website. The rest of the bottles will be made available in 2022.