Foxhole Spirits creates Hyke Gin with waste grapes

English gin brand Foxhole Spirits is preparing to launch Hyke, a new gin that has been created with surplus table grapes.

Foxhole Spirits partnered with UK fruit importer Richard Hochfeld to "reinvent" the equivalent of 1.4 million punnets of internationally sourced surplus grapes per year. The grapes used to make Hyke are trimmed from bunches packaged for supermarket shelves. They are used to create a gin that is flavoured with botanicals inspired by the grapes’ African and South American origins – including coriander, myrrh and rooibos. Hyke is said to have "rich, sweet citrus characters" as well as a velvet texture and complex aromatics. James Oag-Cooper, managing director and co-founder of Foxhole Spirits, said: “We knew that there was something special that could and ‘should’ be done with this quality by-product, so we applied our expertise and craftsmanship to the challenge. "The result is a totally unique product which tastes exceptionally delicious, is beautifully presented, sustainably conscious and yet still affordable.” Bottled at 40% abv, Hyke will be available in 700ml bottles through Highball Brands, Foxhole Spirits’ exclusive UK distribution partner. Foxhole Spirits will also launch Hyke in 500ml bottles that will be available exclusively though Tesco stores to support the retailer's target to halve food waste by 2030. Hyke gin will be launched on Global Recycling Day, Monday 18 March.