An “upstart” Derby distiller which sells its vodka and gin in distinctive eco-friendly reusable metal bottles has picked up a host of awards at two prestigious spirit competitions – at the first time of asking.
Paul Hodgson with Guerrilla Chicken bottles
Guerrilla Chicken, which is based in Derby, won a silver and a bronze award for its Upriser gin and Subverter vodka at the London Spirits Competition 2024 earlier this year.
He then followed it up with two bronzes for the same products at the International Wine & Spirits Competition – the largest global event of its kind.
The awards are a personal triumph for the brand’s founder, Paul Hodgson, who three years ago, after his wife, eager to see him pursue his dream, surprised him with a course at the Brew School in Bakewell, decided to turn his passion for spirits and belief in his own craft into a reality.
But now he is breaking new ground in the industry by selling his Subverter Vodka and Upriser Gin, along with two rums - Sedition Honey Spiced and Rabble Rouser Apple & Vanilla Spiced - in stainless steel, insulated flasks and convenient pouches.
This is due to Paul’s drive to be sustainable, with customers invited to re-use the flasks by purchasing recyclable pouches to replenish their stocks.
What's great about the flasks is that there is zero risk of them breaking like glass bottles, this makes them perfect for picnics and al fresco cocktails. Not only are the flasks strong but they're great at keeping your drinks hot or cold depending on your preference!
The brand's rebellious spirit is evident in the name ‘Subverter Vodka’ a playful nod to Victorian temperance bars that promoted alcohol abstinence and served non-alcoholic drinks like rosehip-infused blood tonic.
By incorporating the taste of rosehip into its vodka, Guerrilla Chicken transforms this symbol of restraint into a daring, premium spirit, making a bold statement of subversion.
Paul said: “Subverter is a perfect example of what Guerrilla Chicken is all about. We’re taking an upstart approach to spirits by doing things differently, from the bottles to the source of the recipes and the taste of the products themselves.
“The metal flasks have created a huge amount of interest because people haven’t seen anything like them before and they’re really eye-catching.
“It’s important to me that Guerrilla Chicken is a sustainable brand, which is why I chose refillable bottles and pouches, which are also practical for people who want to enjoy their favourite spirit when they’re out and about.
“I’ve been selling Guerrilla Chicken since last year and I’m really pleased with how it’s going. It’s hard work and a real learning curve, but the reaction I get, the sales and now these awards make everything worthwhile.”
The Upriser Gin, which earned a silver award, was praised by judges at the London Spirits Competition for its distinctive profile.
They described it as “A London Dry Gin with a bold herbal aroma that evokes rosemary, a smooth palate, and a light nose. It features notes of basil, thyme, cola, and prominent rosemary flavours.”
