Spirits add to the fundraising flames

Ottery St Mary’s Carnival Committee is launching two branded spirits as part of its ongoing fundraising efforts for Tar Barrels.

The ‘Ottery Tar Barrels’ gin and rum are made by Lyme Bay Winery and have been specially rebranded with the instantly recognisable Tar Barrels logo.

The traditional dry gin has botanical flavours of juniper, floral, and citrus notes alongside intoxicating aromas of verbena and the freshness of orange peel, lemon, and lime. For rum lovers, the warming Lugger rum is spiced with a blend of nutmeg, cloves, orange peel and a hint of vanilla.

In the spirit of ‘try before you buy’ a special tasting event is being run during Ottery’s Christmas Lights Switch-on on Friday November 24, at St Mary’s Church from 4pm to late.

Landlord of the Volunteer Inn and long-serving committee member, Mike Down said: “This represents a major investment for the Carnival Committee, and the first link up of its kind with a local producer.

“We were thrilled with the response to the branded wines that were launched in conjunction with Chris Piper just prior to this year’s event, and we’re sure that we’ll sell plenty of the spirits too. Sales will go a long way to ensuring Tar Barrels keep on rolling for many years to come!”

Priced at £40 for rum and £38 for gin for a 70cl bottle, these fantastic fundraising spirits, plus the branded wines, can be purchased from the Tar Barrels Merchandise shop in Silver Street and the Volunteer Inn in Broad Street.

“It’s an ideal time to buy – both the spirits and the wines will make great gifts for friends and family at Christmas, a tangible and poignant link to the town and its unique, world famous event.”