The 40% ABV gin, which was released last year and is distilled from grapes grown on vines planted by Watson’s father in France’s Chablis region, has gone on sale online in the market for delivery to 40 states. California’s off-premise will follow next month, with a bottle retailing for US$65.
Further off-premise operators in additional states are expected to stock Renais later this year.
To capitalise on Watson’s popularity, the US launch will include a “limited edition sleeve” featuring the actor, on sale online for $80.
“We’ve worked hard to turn Renais into a heartfelt tribute to the spirit of Burgundy,” said co-founder – and Emma Watson’s brother – Alex Watson. “We couldn’t be more thrilled to introduce a distinctive and innovative gin to the US market … and launching within California’s long-standing heritage in wine-making feels perfect.”
According to figures from the National Alcohol Beverage Control Association, sales of gin by value in the US’s Control States were down by an average of 2.9% in the first four months of this year.
