Spirit with a wild side: Clouded Leopard Gin helps Born Free
There are few things more inspiring than a drink that helps shine a light on wildlife conservation.
Clouded Leopard Gin is a full-flavoured gin with a big hit of classic juniper, followed by a zingy kick of lemon zest, tropical notes of mango and the fragrance spice of black pepper.
It’s made with British wheat spirit using one-shot distillation on 30-litre copper pot stills. The botanicals (juniper berries, coriander seeds, angelica roots, cassia bark, mango, black pepper and lemon zest) are macerated for 24 hours beforehand, and diluted with water purified by reverse osmosis.
Mix:
- 50ml Clouded Leopard gin
- 100ml tonic water
- Garnish with a slice of lemon or a slice of skin-on fresh mango (with black peppercorns).
Rinse then recycle bottles (caps can be left on).
Send corks off in bulk to Recorked.
How does this gin help Born Free?
Uniquely, it uses profits to help the charity Born Free, which helps rescue animals from zoos and investigates reports of zoo welfare.
You can report concerns over captive or ‘entertainment’ animals here or abroad at Born Free’s red flag report page.
In particular, this gin focuses on the welfare of clouded leopards, beautiful animals in danger of extinction, and rarely seen in the wild.
Born Free helps to support Shamwari Private Game Reserve in South Africa, where leopards (and lions) from the zoo and circus industries, can live out their lives in peace.
Who founded Clouded Leopard gin?
Will Phillips is a chef who decided to create a gin in honour of clouded leopards. And wanted to use profits to help save this magnificent animals.
Meet the clouded leopard
The clouded leopard is one of the most distinctive cats found in Asia. It’s not a true leopard. It belongs to its own genus, Neofelis, and is recognised for its beautiful coat, marked with large, cloud-shaped patches.
Clouded leopards are relatively small compared with many of the world’s larger big cats, but their physical abilities are remarkable. They are excellent climbers and have unusually flexible ankle joints, allowing them to move confidently through trees. Their long tails help with balance, while their large canine teeth are proportionally impressive for their size.
These elusive cats are found across parts of South and Southeast Asia, although their populations are threatened by habitat loss and other human pressures. They are generally difficult to observe in the wild, which makes conservation efforts particularly important.
A wild addiction to your drinks cabinet!
Clouded Leopard Gin combines an appreciation for quality spirits with a commitment to wildlife. Its connection to Born Free gives gin lovers another reason to discover the brand, while the clouded leopard itself provides a fascinating reminder of the extraordinary animals that share our planet.
So, next time you’re looking for a gin with a story, consider choosing one with a wild side. Pour a glass, enjoy the botanicals and raise a toast to the clouded leopard—and to a future where these remarkable cats can continue to thrive in the wild.
