The creators of the iconic soap opera, Coronation Street, have collaborated with Manchester’s No. 186 Gin distillery to craft a premium gin inspired by the show’s legendary character, Hilda Ogden. Named “Wonky Duck Old Tom Gin” after Hilda’s famous ducks mural, this gin boasts the subtle essence of Eccles Cakes, offering vibrant notes of tangy currants and zesty orange peel, suitable for sipping in any season.
35 years after they last adorned her famous ‘muriel’ at Number 13 Coronation Street, Hilda Ogden’s beloved ducks have returned to grace the bottle of the show’s first premium gin.
Distilled with the subtle flavour of Eccles Cakes, Wonky Duck Old Tom gin is bursting with notes of warm tangy currants and orange zest, perfect for summer sipping or winter warmth alike, and is a full-strength gin at 37.5% ABV.
A fitting tribute to one of the show’s most recognisable characters, Hilda Ogden, her trademark curlers and pinny were the epitome of the working-class, Northern woman, and the character, played by the late Jean Alexander, was once voted the most popular of all time.
Her painted flying ducks, too, are now considered an icon of the show, and have inspired the name of this locally-made gin, distilled only a stone’s throw away from the famous cobbles of Weatherfield.
No 186 Gin, a family-based business run by husband and wife Lynsey and Matt, began working with Coronation Street at the beginning of 2022.
After starting their own gin journey in 2013, when Matt was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, the couple had to swap their regular tipples for gin. They became passionate about gin sampling and trying premium gins from across the world.
Soon after, they decided to create a range of their own gins and developed a range – using sugar-free and locally sourced ingredients. Today, the brand has three award-winning gin expressions; Signature, Berries and Honey, and Passionfruit and Vanilla, pouring the spirit of the North into every bottle.
Lynsey Postlethwaite of No 186 Gin said: “It’s been a labour of love creating this beautiful, unique gin for Corrie.
“We know Hilda liked a port and lemon in the Rovers but we’re sure if it was around back then she’d have ordered a Wonky Duck and tonic, the hints of honey and warm currants would be right up her street!”
William Van Rest, Director of Gaming, Live & Merchandising at ITV said: “We know how much the UK loves a G&T and we’re excited to be able to join the unique gin market with ‘Wonky Duck’.
A gin collector’s dream and the perfect present, we can’t wait to see our beautiful blue bottles on the shelf.”
An ideal keep-sake for Corrie lovers, the gin is complemented by comforting spice, with hints of cinnamon and cassia, and the subtle sweetness of local natural honey, making it perfect for sipping with a mixer, or in a cocktail.
Retailing at £33.99, Wonky Duck is available via Amazon, Master of Malt and from www.186gin.co.uk
