To commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day, GHQ Spirits today announces the launch of a limited-edition Scottish rum, vodka and gin range. Named Operation Overlord Spirit, the new collection is set to launch on D-Day with £10 from the sale of each bottle donated to support veterans from the tri services - the Royal navy, the Army and the Royal Air Force. Priced £50 per 70cl bottle, the whole range will be available via GHQ Spirits.
The commemorative spirit draws inspiration from founder James McNeill's family history of service and his grandmother's wartime experiences as a dispatch rider during World War II.
James McNeill said, “My granny Lena Lowe was a dispatch rider during WWII, and three of her sons served in the RAF, Army, and paratroop regiments and so I’ve seen first-hand the dedication and commitment it takes to serve.
“This launch not only introduces three new products, but it also embodies a meaningful initiative to support military charities and honour the service of veterans and active-duty personnel.”
The RNRMC is pleased to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day with this special edition Operation Overlord Gin, Rum and Vodka, distilled by G.H.Q. Spirits, along with our fellow benevolent charities from the other two services.
Fundraising initiatives like this are essential to help us support those from the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Royal Fleet Auxiliary and their families who need it most.
Andrew Jameson, Chief Executive of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity
Svetlana Kirov, The Army Benevolent Fund’s Director of Fundraising said, “We are very pleased that funds raised through sales of these spirits and prints will help us to ensure that support is available for soldiers, veterans and their families in times of need.”
Gavin Davey from RAF Benevolent Fund Director Scotland, Northern Ireland & North-East England said: “We, at the RAF Benevolent Fund, are particularly pleased to be part of the GHQ Spirits Overlord bottling to mark the 80th Anniversary of the D Day landings, which began the liberation of Europe in 1944. The Fund reached over 42,000 members of the RAF Family in 2023, and has supported RAF personnel, veterans and their families for over 100 years. The GHQ bottling will enable us to continue to meet the increasing demand of the RAF Family and provide bespoke support to those who need it the most.”
GHQ Spirits are distilled at Lost Loch outside Aboyne in Aberdeenshire. Launching with an initial run of gin and vodka spirits, GHQ has forged ahead with growth plans with the aim of supporting the military including supporting The Regiment of Scotland for the past 4 years.
The bottle artwork for "Operation Overlord Spirit" has been created by the artist Rui Ricardo, from Porto, who works as an illustrator for Folio Society.
James said, “I first saw Rui’s work as part of Helen Fry’s WWII books. They truly capture the essence of remembrance and tribute to our wartime heroes and I could envisage how his work would look on the bottles. The result is incredibly impactful, combining history and artistic expression.”
For more information and images, please contact Amy Cuthbertson on 07581 406706/ amy@amycuthbertson.co.uk. Alternatively, visit www.ghqspirits.com.
