A train operator which runs trains through our town have partnered with a Macclesfield gin distillery.

Avanti West Coast have launched a new product with Forest Gin, to create a unique tipple exclusively for its First Class Menu. 

Working family-owned business The Forest Distillery - owned by local husband-and-wife team Karl and Lindsay Bond - the intercity rail operator has created the drink called 'Forest to First'.

The new gin is exclusively available for customers travelling First Class on West Coast route, and is only available in miniatures.

Avanti West Roast have ran trains through Macclesfield since 2019. (Image - Avanti West Coast)

Utilising the skills and expertise of Karl and Lindsay, who began home distilling tiny batches of spirits from their kitchen table, The Forest Distillery teamed up with the train operator to make an exclusive product that celebrates the region – from the selection of the ingredients to the design of the bottle.

Berries and botanicals foraged from Macclesfield Forest flavour the gin, which is distilled with water from the area's ancient natural spring.

In a nod to the forest, where the gin is distilled and its ingredients are found, the bottle design features a weasel which is a familiar sight in the local area. 

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Customers travelling in First Class on Avanti West Coast's route can enjoy the refreshing drink during their journey as part of the complimentary food and drink offering onboard. 

You'll have to travel in first glass if you want to try the new locally-sourced and made product. (Image - Avanti West Coast)

Ahead of the gin's launch, two new roles were specially created at The Forest Distillery to support the production of the bespoke drink.

The distillery's award-winning Forest Gin is also available in the First Class Lounge at London Euston, where it is served from specially designed bottles handmade in Stoke-on-Trent by Wade Ceramics.

Philippa Creswell, Executive Director of Onboard at Avanti West Coast, said: "We want to champion small local producers as they're innovative and passionate about what they do.

"Working with producers in the communities we serve gives us an opportunity to showcase the brilliant produce and quality products nearby to our route, while supporting our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint. We're sure our customers will agree when they're sat back with a refreshing glass of Forest to First, enjoying the scenery at 125mph."

The new product (right) alongside Forest's signature product (left). (Image - Forest Gin Instagram)

Trains which will stock the new gin include the Avanti West Coast services from Macclesfield to London, which takes an hour and 45 minutes.

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Karl Bond, Co-founder of Forest Distillery Ltd, said: "We are so proud to have been asked to distil this gin exclusively for Avanti West Coast customers. As a family business, it is incredible to see our products served within First Class.

"The team at Avanti West Coast have been lovely to work with, and the resulting gin in the bottle is of an exceptional standard."

Forest Gin, which celebrated their seventh anniversary last month, have tens of thousands of followers on social media.

Macclesfield Railway Station is located on Waters Green. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

An Avanti West Coast spokesperson added: "The collaboration is part of Avanti West Coast's commitment to offer a responsibly sourced menu – reducing its impact on the environment and showcasing products created in communities along its route."

The Forest Distillery is a unique 17th century barn, situated within the beautiful Macclesfield Forest in the Peak District National Park.

It is there where the Bond family and their small team of weasels daily distil spirits which has led to recognition around the world.

Their address is The Forest Distillery, Chambers Farm, Bottom of the Oven, Macclesfield Forest, Cheshire, SK11 0AR.

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But they also brew whiskey at Situated on the site of the old Cat and Fiddle Inn,

You can find more about them here.

See Also: 'Reinstating 8:02am Manchester train is priority' says Macclesfield MP

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