Bristol distillery apologises for selling limited edition ‘Novichok’ vodka

A distillery has apologised after sparking outrage for releasing a 75 per cent proof vodka named after toxic nerve agent novichok.

Bristol Dry Gin announced its new limited edition vodka – described as “no laughing matter” by the company – two days ago.

It comes as a mother-of-three thought to have been accidentally exposed to the substance in Wiltshire died in hospital on Sunday.

Dawn Sturgess, 44, and partner Charlie Rowley are said to have handled a "contaminated item" in Salisbury on 29 June before falling ill in nearby Amesbury the following morning.

Mr Rowley, 45, is fighting for his life in hospital.

The gin distillery has been fiercely criticised for the “tasteless” timing of its release.

In posts on Facebook and Instagram, the firm wrote: “Our new limited edition vodka is out! Set at 75%, this smooth drinking spirit is no laughing matter.

“Available as a 35cl bottle, perfect for manbags and gym bottles, or as a pack of three 5cl minis, a great solution to body cavity searches. Get em from our web store or distillery.”

But members of the public slated the company on both its social media accounts.

"Sorry, I think that is in very poor taste naming a gin after something that is still a very serious situation,” David Gilroy said.

“The poor people that have suffered. The town that has suffered and its people. I can't believe you want to make money out of it. Please rename this into something appropriate," added David Watson.

"Pretty poor taste, an innocent woman has died and a man is critically ill, I think you need to rethink your sales strategy,” Peter Hooper chipped in.

“I suggest you sack your marketing team,” quipped Rennie Howie.

On Instagram, one user said: “This is classless”.

Ms Sturgess and Mr Rowley’s symptoms are the same as those of Sergei and Yulia Skripal.

Mr Skripal - a Russian former spy - and his daughter were poisoned with novichok in March in Salisbury.

Bristol Dry Gin said its novichok edition vodka was a limited range and it would no longer produce it.

The distillery said the range, which they described as “a smooth drinking spirit”, had been in development for some time and had only been christened and released after the Skripals had recovered.

In a statement, Bristol Dry Gin said: “Novichok Edition has been in development for some time, and was only named and released after the Skripals had recovered.

“It was intended to lighten the mood, not to cause offence, and reaction has been overwhelming positive. We sincerely apologise if any offence was caused, especially to the families of Dawn Sturgess and Charlie Rowley, and understand that the timing of the release of this product may have lacked sensitivity.

“The Novichok Edition is a limited edition, which sold out within a hours of being released, and we currently have no plans to produce any more, despite the flood of enquiries.

“We appreciate the messages of support which we have received, especially those from the Salisbury community, but also regret any negative feeling generated in the wider community.”