Pink gin launched to honour inspirational “wonder of the world”

Massingberd-Mundy Distillery in the Lincolnshire Wolds has launched its second artisan craft gin.

Marie Jeanne’s Pink Gin is a fruity and indulgent French-style gin that pays tribute to an inspirational figure from the area’s history.

Marie Jeanne Rapigeon of Versailles was the daughter of a French captain who became the owner of South Ormsby Estate from 1835 to 1863 and was described as “a wonder of the world”.

Marie Jeanne’s Pink Gin has been launched shortly after the distillery’s first drink, Burrell’s Dry Gin, which is named after her husband, Charles Burrell Massingberd.

Both gins are produced at Massingberd-Mundy Distillery at South Ormsby Estate in the Lincolnshire Wolds by Master Distiller, Tristan Jørgensen.

Marie Jeanne’s Pink Gin is named after Marie Jeanne Rapigeon of Versailles who fled the French Revolution to become a governess for the family which owned South Ormsby Estate in Lincolnshire for almost 400 years.

She later married the heir to the estate, Charles Burrell Massingberd and the couple set about investing in the local area, expanding their estate and transforming the family home, South Ormsby Hall to reflect their more modern tastes. After her husband passed away, Marie Jeanne continued to run the estate, building a school and a rectory which survive to this day.

Throughout her life, Marie Jeanne was an inspiring figure who was presented to French royalty including Louis XIV, Marie Antoinette, Napoleon, Louis XVIII, Charles X and Louis Philippe. She also dined with the likes of Alfred, Lord Tennyson and was described in the diary of Liberal Party MP and High Sheriff of Lincolnshire, Weston Cracroft Amcotts as “a wonder of the world… a thro’ French woman – exquisitely dressed – with such complete command.”

Maries Jeanne’s Pink Gin and Burrell’s Dry Gin are now available from the South Ormsby Estate website at www.southormsbyestate.co.uk. It’s hoped that the gins will also be available from bars, restaurants and other retailers soon.