Overview: Queen guitarist Brian May has unveiled a limited-edition premium gin named Red Special Gin through a partnership with Portobello Road Distillery. The London Dry Gin honors the iconic instrument built by May and his father, Harold May, while incorporating botanicals sourced from May’s own greenhouse. Bottles are scheduled to ship on October 8 following pre-orders.
The Full Story
The collaboration merges May’s connection to the Red Special guitar with the distillery’s London roots and craftsmanship. May expressed pride in the project coming to life, noting his alignment with Portobello Road Distillery’s “very British homespun ethos” and attention to detail. Marketing director Gemma Monaghan Gilbert described the partnership as a meeting of two British traditions: May’s musical craftsmanship and Portobello Road’s approach to gin-making. She noted that May brought his own story and creativity to the collaboration, pouring his character into the project alongside the distillery’s heritage.
Production & Profile
The spirit is crafted using a selection of botanicals including juniper, liquorice root, sage, and calamansi orange grown in May’s greenhouse. According to the distillery, the resulting gin possesses a distinctive character, subtle complexity, and a vibrant citrus finish. May issued a guitar-themed warning regarding consumption, stating that like the electric guitar, this Red Special has to be enjoyed responsibly.
Brand & Industry History
The project connects deeply to the history of the Red Special itself, which was built with his father over an 18-month period between early 1963 and late 1964. Each bottle features a sixpence embedded in the lid, paying tribute to the unusual guitar pick May has used throughout his career rather than a conventional plectrum. This detail links the spirit directly to the instrument’s legacy and the specific history of its creation.
What This Means
The collaboration represents more than a standard celebrity endorsement, as May helped develop the gin directly. Portobello Road Distillery highlighted that the project is rooted in a shared passion for craftsmanship, creativity, and doing things differently. It signifies a convergence of musical innovation and distilling heritage within the London market.
Consumer Takeaway
The Brian May Red Special Gin is available to pre-order now, with bottles scheduled to ship on October 8. Collectors can expect a unique presentation where each bottle features a sixpence embedded in the lid. This release offers access to a limited-edition premium gin that combines specific botanical profiles with a distinctive historical tribute to Queen’s guitarist.
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