On-line spirit purveyor Master of Malt has released a limited edition of Professor Cornelius Ampleforth's Bathtub Gin. Made in the traditional manner in ultra-small batches of only 30-60 bottles at a time. The focus is on quality and authenticity, even when it comes to the packaging. The glass bottles are wrapped in traditional brown paper, with a hand-drawn pint adorning the labels, and each bottle is hand-dipped in black wax to give a very fine finish. Even the flax twine used to wrap the necks of the bottle is produced using 19th century methods. A bottle will cost £31.95. Meanwhile, in the beer world, McMullen named its August seasonal Augustus Macsimus after 3000 of its pub goers took part in a competition held by the Hertfordshire brewer for a £500 prize, a visit to the brewery and 20 litres of ale.
