International wine and spirits company Sovereign Brands has announced the global launch of a new handcrafted gin from Jundiaí, Brazil.

McQueen and the Violet Fog is limited to 500 litres per batch and claims to combine 21 different botanicals.

To make the gin, fifteen botanicals are macerated in a neutral sugarcane spirit to extract flavour compounds and essential oils. Following this, six additional signature botanicals are infused into the gin via vapour infusion through a copper basket.

Sitting alongside classic juniper, citrus and flowers, the six signature botanicals, said to be “unique” to McQueen and the Violet Fog, include basil leaves from India, Portuguese rosemary, Mediterranean fennel seed, calamansi from the South Pacific, star anise from Vietnam, and acai, locally grown in Brazil.

A distinctive “crowned eye” logo in metallic copper is a key feature of the bottle design, a nod to the traditional pot stills used for the gin’s creation.

The name McQueen and the Violet Fog is inspired by a poem of the same name, which details an encounter with a mysterious rock band.

Brett Berish, CEO of Sovereign Brands, said: “With McQueen and the Violet Fog, we’re proud to unveil what we see as the next generation of gin.

“Instead of focusing on just one or two flavours, we chose to be ambitious. McQueen and the Violet Fog reveals something new with every sip: heat, spice, juniper, herbal, citrus and floral notes, all the touchstones of gin, balanced perfectly. We’re proud and excited to share this wonderful gin with the world.”

The recipe for McQueen and the Violet Fog’s signature cocktail can be found below.

Violet Fog
1.5oz-2oz McQueen and the Violet Fog Gin
1oz Lime Juice
Ginger Beer
Pour McQueen and the Violet Fog and lime juice in an ice-filled glass and stir. Top with ginger beer and garnish with butterfly pea flowers for violet hue.