Belfast publican behind ambitious new gin label

Well-known Belfast publican, Gerry White, has collaborated with Echlinville Distillery at Newtownards to produce a new craft gin label.

Gerry, the long-time manager of The John Hewitt bar in Cathedral Quarter, is set to launch Jawbox Classic Dry Gin later in December.

Speaking recently, Gerry (57), said that everything about the new spirit, including its Victorian-style medicine bottle appearance and its recipe, was intended to reflect the history and culture of the city.

“I know that craft beer has been massive”, he said, “but gin has always been my drink.”

The journey from concept six years ago to seeing the final product complete has been a long one for Gerry with a number of setbacks along the way, but he describes the process as “an amazing experience”. He says he would love to see Jawbox for sale in other parts of Europe as well as the US:

“I really hope it takes off and it could eventually become my full-time job,” he added.

The new gin has a juniper berry profile and is considered to have a more classic flavour than some of the other small-batch offerings currently available.

A well-known face across the pub trade over the last 30 years, Gerry has been in charge at The John Hewitt for the last decade.

The design and presentation of the new product has been undertaken by distributor, Drinksology.