This October, rugby legends Mike Tindall and James Haskell, along with television presenter Alex Payne, are launching Blackeye Gin in Ontario, Canada. Available at LCBO both in-store and online, the gin’s debut will be accompanied by in-store tastings, activations supporting local rugby communities, and a chance for consumers to win a virtual meet-and-greet with the founders.
Blackeye Gin was inspired by the overwhelming enthusiasm from listeners of the founders’ podcast, The Good, The Bad, & The Rugby. The trio developed the brand with the goal of supporting rugby’s future. From each bottle sold, $1.50 will be donated to the Blackeye Rugby Fund, focusing on research, risk, and recovery for both current and former rugby players. The fund is expected to become one of the largest donors to rugby-related causes within the next five years.
The gin’s name reflects the physical nature of rugby and the resilience shared by the founders. According to Mike Tindall, the launch in Canada follows a successful reception in the UK. James Haskell added that Blackeye Gin started as a drink between rugby friends and has since grown into a fully-fledged brand with a focus on quality and social impact.
Blackeye Gin recently won a Double Gold Medal at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition in the Best Gin category. The gin features botanicals from leading rugby nations, with flavors of forest pine, juniper, lemon, sweet orange, and tangerine. The Blackeye Rugby Fund, supported by respected leaders in the sport, will distribute funds to important causes, with the goal of raising $1.8 million annually within five years.