Welsh Shepherd Spirits has unveiled three drinks in the innovative paper-based Frugal Bottle, bringing together Welsh craftsmanship, lower-carbon packaging and wildlife conservation.
The collection comprises Protector Gin, Ranger Rum and Welsh Shepherd Spiced Rum. Protector Gin and Ranger Rum have been created in support of Care for Wild, a specialist rhino sanctuary in South Africa, with Welsh Shepherd Spirits donating 50% of the profits from both products to the organisation.
Born in Wales, Protector Gin is inspired by the untamed spirit of South Africa. Distilled with a distinctive selection of botanicals, including rooibos, the gin has been created to support the protection and rehabilitation of endangered rhinos.
Ranger Rum draws inspiration from the vibrant spirit of Eswatini. The smooth golden rum combines warming spice with rich tropical character, with sales also contributing to the work of Care for Wild.
The third drink, Welsh Shepherd Spiced Rum, is the company’s own signature expression. Inspired by the rolling hills and pastoral traditions of Wales, it is made from a carefully blended selection of South American and Barbadian rums, enriched with warming spices and aged with Welsh oak. It captures what the company describes as “the spirit of Wales in every sip”.
All three drinks are presented in the Frugal Bottle, which is made from 100% recycled paperboard with a food-grade pouch. The bottle is six times lighter than a conventional glass bottle and has a carbon footprint at least six times lower.
Anthony Watts at Welsh Shepherd Spirits, said:
“We are incredibly proud to launch these three drinks in the Frugal Bottle. As a Welsh producer, we want to create spirits with a strong sense of place and purpose, while making more responsible choices about the packaging we use.
“Protector Gin and Ranger Rum also allow us to support a cause that means a great deal to us. By donating 50% of the profits from these two products to Care for Wild, every bottle sold will help the organisation continue its vital work rescuing, rehabilitating and protecting rhinos in South Africa.
“Our Spiced Rum tells a different but equally important part of our story. It is our own celebration of Wales, combining carefully selected rums with warming spices and Welsh oak.”
Petronel Nieuwoudt, Founder and CEO of Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary, said:
“Protecting rhinos requires an extraordinary, long-term commitment. Rescue is only the beginning: every orphan may need years of specialist care, rehabilitation and protection before there is an opportunity for them to return to the wild.
“Partnerships such as this provide vital support while bringing the story of these remarkable animals to new audiences. We are deeply grateful to Welsh Shepherd Spirits for choosing to donate 50% of the profits from Protector Gin and Ranger Rum to Care for Wild.
“By connecting conservation with more sustainable packaging, this partnership carries an important message: the choices we make can help protect wildlife and the environment on which we all depend. We were delighted to share that message at our recent Tuskmaster fundraising event and hope it inspires more people to help secure a future for rhinos.”
Malcolm Waugh, CEO of Frugalpac, said:
“We are delighted to welcome Welsh Shepherd Spirits to the paper bottle revolution. This range combines distinctive Welsh spirits, eye-catching design and packaging with a substantially lower carbon footprint than glass.
“Protector Gin and Ranger Rum show how drinks brands can use their products to tell important stories and generate meaningful support for conservation.”
Care for Wild works to secure the future of rhinos through rescue, rehabilitation, release and long-term protection. Its work also encompasses habitat management, community development and education, helping to build a sustainable future in which people and wildlife can thrive together.
Protector Gin and Ranger Rum are each priced at £42 per 70cl bottle. Welsh Shepherd Spiced Rum is priced at £40 per 70cl bottle. The three drinks are now available through Welsh Shepherd Spirits.
