Speight’s Gin Launch Shibden Valley tipple inspired by Anne Lister
The team behind Halifax’s award-winning gin brand, Speight’s Gin, has launched a Shibden Valley gin, featuring special edition Anne Lister-adorned birthday celebration bottles.
The Speight’s family has worked closely with the Calderdale Museums team at Shibden Hall to research the history of Anne Lister and Shibden. The family has produced the special edition gin, which will be available to purchase in-person at the Shibden Hall gift shop and on the Speight’s Gin website.
Shibden Hall was home to Anne Lister, the 19th-century diarist from 1791-1840. Anne Lister’s life is the focus of the popular BBC drama series ‘Gentleman Jack’, written and directed by Sally Wainwright. The series explores Anne’s life and the lives of those who lived in the Hall and Estate. Suranne Jones stars as Anne Lister in Gentleman Jack, with Shibden Hall featuring as one of the main filming locations featured in the show.
Peter Speight, owner of Speight’s Gin commented: “We are delighted to be working with the Shibden Hall team, it is truly a fantastic honour to be associated with such an iconic building which is part of our heritage”.
The Speight’s Gin brand is a family affair, with Peter Speight running the business alongside his son-in-law Daniel, his wife Angie, daughter Victoria. Each family member plays a different role within the company, with Daniel managing the distillery operations, and the rest of the Speight’s team pitching in with branding, events and marketing.
The Shibden Valley Gin officially launched this month at an exclusive event in the grounds of Shibden Hall, complete with a mobile gin bar, performance from local Band Scars on 45, canapes provided by our outside catering manager Ben Cole, live music and a performance from Brighouse Theatre Productions. Calderdale’s Mayor and Mayoress were also in attendance, along with several local business owners and residents.
Richard Macfarlane, Calderdale Council’s Museums Manager, said:
“The rich history of Shibden Hall and the beauty of the Shibden estate has provided inspiration for many people and we’ve been happy to share our knowledge with the team at Speight’s Gin to help support research for their latest creation.
“The popularity of Gentleman Jack and Anne Lister’s fascinating story has really increased interest in Shibden. We’re pleased to be able to welcome more visitors back to the Hall and support local companies, like Speight’s.”
Crafted in a purpose-built distillery in the Speight’s lush, floral family garden, the small-batch gin is made using a traditional copper still, blended using locally sourced ingredients and a secret concoction of 12 finest botanicals. Speight’s artisan gin is available in five unique flavours, including bilberry, huckleberry, pear, rhubarb and a signature floral gin.
Speight’s Gin has already received global recognition, with the Signature Gin being awarded ‘Best Distilled Gin’ out of entries from thirty-two countries at the Gin Guide Awards 2020, and their rhubarb gin winning a Silver in the World Gin Awards 2021.
