How’d you like them apples? Pink lady apples challenges the name of Stirling’s newly released Pink Lady gin
In a disappointing move from the fruit powerhouse, Stirling Distillery have been threatened with legal action for using the pink lady name for their gin. According to their website, “Pink Lady® is a trademark of Apple and Pear Australia Limited (APAL) and is reserved for exclusive use by licensees” however, registered trademarks tend to be issued for use within a specific trading sector. As Pink Lady apples and Pink Lady Gin are not competing sectors, it does beg the question why the Australian company feels threatened by a liquor made by a small Scottish Distillery.
When speaking to the owners of Stirling Gin, June and Cameron McCann, they outlined their dismay at the situation. “We named our latest gin after a famous local legend. The pink lady was a beautiful young noblewoman betrothed to a brave Scottish knight who died defending Stirling castle against the English in the siege of 1304. Shortly after his death, the pink lady died of a broken heart. It is said that she can be seen wandering Stirling castle and the kirk tower in the dead of night, dressed in her elegant and distinct pink robes. It’s a shame we have been pressured to rebrand as our gin was based on local folklore.”
The Pink Lady of Stirling Castle was also known for her faint scent of rose-blossom which inspired the flavours of the gin. “Pink Lady is a refreshing gin with 12 delicious botanicals including rose petals, pink peppercorns and pink grapefruit. It is delicately fragranced with juniper, spices and pepper.” So not an apple in sight..
Despite the costs involved, Stirling Distillery made the decision to rename their gin to Stirling Pink Gin rather than face a lengthy legal battle. To mark the occasion, the distillery is launching a limited edition valentine’s gift set that combines a 50cl bottle with a matching branded copa glass - the perfect gift for any gin lover.
In addition to their wide range of gins, Stirling Distillery also launched its Sons of Scotland whisky in January 2021. June and Cameron have had great success providing virtual tastings via Zoom over the past year. As part of the experience, you are provided with a selection of their most popular spirits, given insights into the distilling process thanks to their in-house distiller, as well as provided with Stirling Gin cocktail recipes and branded hand sanitiser.