Four ex Lions players kick off their new gin brand, The Collective

Former Wales and British & Irish Lions players Shane Williams, James Hook, Lee Byrne, and Mike Phillips have launched their new gin brand, ‘The Collective.’

The Collective gin collection. Image credit: Kellie Williams

Teamed up with local Cardiff Distillery, the ex-Lions players decided to launch their own gin brand after a conversation over a few drinks. Shane Williams said, “When we do stuff, we like to keep it Welsh for obvious reasons.”

After plenty of gin tastings and logo and bottle designing, the boys jumped onto the idea of launching two separate bottles. “We [The boys and Cardiff Distillery] worked together to bring the brand together,” said Shane.

The first two gin bottles launched are No.11, a violet glass bottle representing former winger and number of Shane Williams. The second bottle is a turquoise blue bottle named ‘No.15’ after ex-player’s number Lee Byrne.

A third non-alcoholic gin is also being released into the collection driven by James Hook, who noticed a gap in the market. Mike Phillips backed the idea after recognising a love for non-alcoholic gin in Dubai, explained Shane.

“We thought the bitter had been done to death,” laughed Shane, “We knew that gin was drunk by all, it’s not just drunk by ladies; it’s quite a cool and fashionable drink,” he said.

Read more at It's On Cardiff here: https://itsoncardiff.co.uk/four-ex-lions-players-kick-off-their-new-gin-brand-the-collective/