A ghostly gin with ties to one of York’s most famous spirits has reappeared, just in time for Halloween. York Gin Grey Lady, inspired by the Medieval ghost said to haunt the city’s Theatre Royal, is back after a brief hiatus, much to the delight of its fans.
Named after the Grey Lady who is rumoured to watch over the dress circle of the theatre, this gin has gained a loyal following. Mad Alice, York’s top ghost tour guide and expert on the city’s supernatural history, was at the Theatre Royal to help relaunch the much-loved gin.
York Gin Grey Lady had been discontinued in 2023 after the supplier of the Earl Grey tea used to flavour it retired. However, after over a year of exploration and taste testing, York Gin has found the perfect new blend. The distillery team has combined the botanicals from their award-winning London Dry gin with a fresh Earl Grey tea blend, distilled orange and lemon peel, and butterfly pea flower, which gives the gin its distinctive haunting blue-grey hue.
Jenny O’Hara, York Gin’s retail manager, shared the excitement surrounding the gin’s return:
“It’s been a recurring theme. Every day for the last year, at least a couple of customers have asked if the Grey Lady has come back. It’s a dream come true for Halloween.”
Natalie Hall, director of York Gin owner York Drinks, added:
“We’ve cracked the mystery of the Grey Lady! Our distillery team’s resolute efforts have been rewarded – and we have a stunning Grey Lady gin to share with the world. Just in time for Fright Night.”
The gin is being re-released for a limited run during October’s Spooky Season, with sales capped at six bottles per online order to ensure as many fans as possible can enjoy its return. However, if demand is strong, there is a chance the Grey Lady could become a permanent fixture in the York Gin range once again.
York Gin Grey Lady is available for purchase from Saturday 19th October at York Gin shops and online at yorkgin.com.
For a truly immersive experience, York Gin will also host a Ghostly Gin Tasting on Halloween itself at their shop in the historic Thomas Herbert House. The event promises an evening of Grey Lady cocktails, paired with spooky tales of York’s ghosts, offering guests a fittingly eerie celebration in one of the city’s most haunted locations.
Tickets for the event are available at tickettailor.com.
