Oliver Townend and Carousel Quest on their way to a win at Burghley 2009
For most people, Carousel Quest was a stunning horse to watch compete, but for Oliver Townend he became a close friend and partner who springboarded him to international fame. Their successes together set the foundations for a decade of top-level wins, world no. 1 rankings and eventually an Olympic gold medal.
Now the memory of Carousel Quest will be best toasted with a glass of artisan gin created in his name and crafted in an area where he spent his retirement days at Oliver’s farm
The world number one eventing rider and Tokyo gold medallist, Oliver Townend, has joined forces with The Shropshire Distillery to produce a dry gin named after one his most notable horses, Carousel Quest. 20% of profits from the new release will be donated to Midlands Air Ambulance and the Dogs Trust.
In 2008 a horse named Carousel Quest joined the operations of a young, still relatively unknown rider who had recently bought himself a farm in Shropshire. The pair quickly rose to success, winning their first international competition together and the following year winning one of the most prestigious Three-Day Events in the world; The Burghley Horse Trials.
In the winner’s interview at the time, Oliver said he hoped this win with ‘Quest’ would allow him to forge a future for himself. Quest enjoyed years of success with Oliver and when the time came for his retirement, he lived out his days in the field bridging Oliver’s farm and The Shropshire Distillery.
Emma Glynn, Oliver Townend and Gareth Glynn (plus curious equine friends) at Oliver's yard in Shropshire
Husband-and-wife team, Emma and Gareth Glynn from The Shropshire Distillery formed a friendship with Oliver and began crafting the gin together.
"This is a true artisan gin, handcrafted to celebrate one of the most extraordinary horses I have ever met. Carousel Quest won the Burghley Horse Trials whilst in training with me just down the road from the distillery” says Oliver
“I’ve picked two charities close to my heart to support, and hope we raise lots of money for them both. With this gin I toast Carousel Quest - and invite you to toast your hero too."
“We’re really excited to be collaborating with such a sporting legend, neighbour and friend” says Emma Glynn, one of the few female master distillers in the UK who handcrafts premium spirits and liqueurs in traditional small batch copper stills
From their initial 'Gin Shed' in 2018, the custom-built distillery now hosts tours and a 5-star rated gin school experience every weekend, where gin lovers and enthusiasts can become ‘distiller for the day’, learn about botanicals and the distillation process, taste the Shropshire Gin range, and take home their very own distilled craft gin.
The Carousel Quest Gin is “A juniper-led premium dry gin which incorporates citrus notes from lemon balm and lemon peel atop a liquorice and cassia warmth with a light fresh sweet orange undertone” says Emma
“The Carousel Quest Gin is best served with lemon wheel, premium tonic, and good company. We hope you enjoy this hero worthy gin!”
To purchase the Carousel Quest Gin visit www.theshropshiredistillery.co.uk.
Midlands Air Ambulance
Midlands Air Ambulance Charity (MAAC) operates and funds three air ambulances covering six Midlands counties,including Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Worcestershire, and the West Midlands.
For more information visit www.midlandsairambulance.com
Dogs Trust
Dogs Trust receive no direct government funding and rely on the generosity of supporters to help achieve their mission. Money raised is used to invest in rehoming centres; to fund preventative work to help protect dogs in the future; and to invest in, develop and promote information to help dog owners understand the needs of their pooch pals.
For more information visit www.dogstrust.org.uk
