Why do classical music and the natural world seem to chime so harmoniously together?
Classical music is often thought of as sophisticated and refined – complicated. The way it is arranged may be so, but the way it connects is universal.
It isn’t constrained by linguistic and evokes something far more primal; stimulating the base of our senses. Music is our reflection of nature, our unique way of saying thank you. It’s fitting then, that a drink has come along that not only accompanies the joy of music perfectly but also exemplifies the above sentiment.
In an elegant fusion of sustainability, craftsmanship and modern indulgence, Cygnet Gin – the luxury spirit hand-crafted in Wales – has unveiled its latest innovation: Cygnet 77. Founded in 2023 by world-renowned classical singer Katherine Jenkins OBE and celebrated artist and social-impact filmmaker Andrew Levitas, Cygnet has quickly established itself as a pioneer of what it terms “intentional indulgence”. The launch event at Harrods’ Baccarat Bar featured a landmark conversation on Sustainable Luxury between Harrods Managing Director Michael Ward and Andrew Levitas, where the two visionaries explored the evolving landscape of luxury consumption.
Cygnet 77 represents the next evolution in gin, conceived to be savoured neat over ice or as the ultimate base for a refined martini. This sophisticated spirit is distilled and aged at Copperworks Distillery in Wales – a nod to the brand’s heritage and commitment to craftsmanship. Its standout feature? A unique 12-month maturation in Welsh whisky casks, infused with Manuka honey, Cygnet’s signature botanical.
“Luxury is no longer just about craftsmanship and heritage, It’s about meaning, identity, and values – and today’s consumers expect the brands they love to reflect the world they want to live in. Cygnet is the embodiment of that evolution.”
Michael Ward, Harrods Managing Director
The result is a decadent expression layered with juniper, chamomile, and caramelised Manuka honey, softened by the warm, woody depth of the casks. The nose evokes fresh spring meadows, while the finish is rich and silky-smooth, making it a true sipping gin – elegant, complex, and memorable.
True to Cygnet’s ethos of sustainability through design, Cygnet 77 is presented in the award-winning Eirlys decanter, a hand-blown vessel shaped to mirror a droplet of water; a tribute to the pure Welsh water used in distillation. The decanter is 50% lighter than average, reducing its environmental footprint in production and transport, and is 100% plastic-free. It is designed for repurpose as a vase, decanter or candlestick holder.
This commitment to sustainable luxury is not new for the brand. Jenkins and Levitas are globally recognised environmental advocates, serving as Global Patrons of The Wilderness Foundation and Ambassadors for Tusk Trust, and regularly speaking at international environmental summits. It is also part of a growing trend in the industry as a whole. Drinks brands are increasingly turning to sustainable packaging, using clever, elegant design to reduce their environmental impact. Telmont Champagne, for example, has committed to eliminating all unnecessary packaging, using only recycled and recyclable materials, and printing directly on bottles to avoid labels. Bruichladdich whisky uses lightweight bottles made from recycled glass and minimalist labelling to cut down on waste. Absolut has launched a paper-based bottle prototype made from renewable materials, while Bombay Sapphire’s redesigned bottles use 100% recycled glass. These brands show that sustainability can be seamlessly integrated into high-end design, appealing to conscious consumers with discerning aesthetic tastes.
Reflecting this broad evolution, Cygnet 77 has been named to symbolise a profound awakening, heightened intuition and a connection to inner wisdom; the perfect parallel to the meticulous refinement this spirit has undergone. With the number 77 relating to an embracing of transformation, Cygnet 77 is a spirit of enlightenment and luxurious discovery. The partnership with Harrods underscores Cygnet’s positioning as a high-end brand that’s rewriting the rules of gin – not only in flavour, but in purpose. It’s no coincidence that one of the founders is a classical music giant. The alchemy of gin is akin to the concoction of a symphony. They are both raw expressions of our nature and Cygnet 77 sings of its inspirations in every sip.
