AN AWARD-winning Thornbury distillery have teamed up with ‘the queen of herbs’ for their new 'strikingly smooth' gin.

Family-run 6 O’clock Gin, who are based in Thornbury Industrial Estate, have launched the new ‘Jekka’ edition of their London Dry Gin, in collaboration with Jekka McVicar, the internationally-renowned expert in the cultivation and use of herbs.

Alveston-based Jekka, branded the ‘Queen of Herbs’ by Jamie Oliver has won more than 60 gold medals at RHS flower shows and is a well known author and TV and radio personality.

“It was an opportunity I couldn’t miss” said Jekka. “The distillery is just down the road from my farm and the 6 O’clock team are as knowledgeable and passionate about gin as I am about herbs. I knew together we would create something really special.

"The herbs are all picked and delivered early, ready for distillation on the same day, so the resulting aromatic dry gin has a fabulously fresh herbal flavour. I’d recommend adding a sprig of mint as the final touch for a truly delicious G&T!”

6 O’clock London Dry Gin: Jekka’s Edition (40 per cent ABV) comes in a 70cl bottle with an RSP of £38.

For more information, visit 6oclockgin.com.