May 19, 2024
A new limited-edition gin created by The Lakes Distillery is set
to raise thousands of pounds to support the work of Mountain
Rescue teams across Cumbria.
Gearing up for peak tourist season, The Lakes Distillery, at
Setmurthy near Bassenthwaite Lake, has designed The Lakes
Mountain Strength Gin to support the work of those volunteers who
give up their time and risk their lives to rescue others across
Cumbria and the National Park.
Inspired by the dedication of the Mountain Rescue teams, The
Lakes Distillery will use this special release to support their work to
educate visitors about being ‘Adventure Smart’.
Extending the reach of the Mountain Rescue team’s messaging, the
Cumbrian distillery will target the 30,000 people who visit their
Brand Home and, with special neck collars on the Mountain
Strength Gin, help to share the importance of the ‘Adventure Smart’
message through retailers and pubs in the area.
At 51% ABV, the alcohol by volume represents the increase in
annual call outs that Cumbria Mountain Rescue teams have seen in
the 10 years since the distillery opened in 2014.
The distillery has already provided £10,000 to the Lake District Foundation for investment in
mountain safety messaging. With a further £5 donated to Mountain Rescue for every bottle
sold, they will have raised £25,000 to support initiatives that help to decrease avoidable callouts and promote mountain safety awareness.
The Lakes Mountain Strength Gin will be launched at a special event at the distillery on 30th
May, at which members of all 12 teams in the Lake District Search and Mountain Rescue
Association (LDSAMRA) are invited.
James Pennefather, chief executive of The Lakes Distillery, said, “We are really looking
forward to welcoming the Lake District Search and Mountain Rescue teams to the distillery
at our Mountain Strength Gin launch.
“It will be a wonderful opportunity for our team and guests visiting the distillery to learn more
about the Mountain Rescue’s Adventure Smart campaign and meet some of the amazing
volunteers who respond to calls in all weathers and times of day.
“Made to be enjoyed responsibly, and only after a safe day of walking on the fells, Mountain
Strength Gin highlights the increasing demands on our volunteer services and the money
raised will be invested in mountain safety messaging, helping to reduce the number of call
outs.”
Richard Warren, member of Wasdale MRT and LDSAMRA added, “We cannot emphasise
enough how helpful and important this financial support will be to sharing our safety
messaging as far and wide as possible.
“The number of callouts across the Lake District and Cumbria are increasing again.
Hopefully, the #BeAdventureSmart campaign will help to reduce the growing number of
callouts to a more manageable level.
“Currently, nearly 30% of all Cumbria’s Mountain Rescue incidents are avoidable lost and
overdue situations that could be prevented by planning adventurous activities beforehand.
Our volunteer team members give up their time freely to help those desperately in need of
rescue and are very grateful for The Lakes Distillery’s support.”
The first new gin created by the distillery since 2020, The Lakes Mountain Strength Gin’s
higher ABV is said to accentuate the citrus notes of the classic Lakes Gin and allow earthy
notes to come to the fore when served with Fever-Tree Mediterranean Tonic.
Available throughout Cumbria, including the George & Dragon, at Clifton, and The Inn at
Grasmere, the gin will retail at £38.50 (70cl) in Booths, independent outlets, and direct from
the distillery.
