Raise your glasses, pickleball fans! The Association of Pickleball Players (APP) announced today a new addition to its partnership portfolio, The Botanist Islay Dry Gin. The Botanist joins the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. as the official gin partner of the APP Tour.
This marks the APP Tour's first-ever partnership with a spirits brand. The Botanist is crafted at Bruichladdich Distillery on the Scottish island of Islay, one of the few B Corp certified distilleries in the world. The premium gin features a range of 22 hand-foraged Islay botanicals that offer a variety of flavor profiles – from aromatic and citric, to sweet and herbal. This balanced and delicious taste has led The Botanist to become the no. two ultra-premium gin brand in the U.S.1 and a top-10 bestselling gin brand globally2.
“We're delighted to partner with The Botanist and bring new flavors to our world-class events,” said Ryan McSpadden, APP chief revenue officer. “Together we're crafting new experiences reflective of the passionate and adventurous spirit of the pickleball community. Here's to raising a glass in New York City and beyond!”
“We are thrilled to partner with the Association of Pickleball Players to expand The Botanist’s alignment with the pickleball community and support the sport’s overall growth in the U.S.,” said Nicolas Beckers, CEO & President, Rémy Cointreau Americas. “At The Botanist, we are committed to fostering connections through the enjoyment of our award-winning gin. We are excited to contribute to this lively community and are committed to creating memorable experiences both on and off the courts.”
The partnership kicks off at the end of this month at the highly anticipated 2024 Zimmer Biomet APP New York City Open, held at the Billie Jean King US National Tennis Center May 21-26. Together, The Botanist and the APP invite pickleball fans to enjoy the spirit of the game both on and off the court. Attendees aged 21+ can experience the brand’s premium gin and enjoy The Botanist’s signature cocktails like the Courtside Collins at concessions throughout the tournament weekend, while watching some of pickleball’s greatest players to compete at the highest level.
To ramp up excitement surrounding the partnership, The Botanist and the APP will host an exclusive Instagram giveaway where fans can win two VIP tickets to the 2024 Zimmer Biomet APP New York City Open. The lucky winner will also receive a set of The Botanist branded pickleball paddles and a $75 Reserve Bar gift card, enhancing their experience of the tournament and beyond. Those that are interested in participating can head to @thebotanistgin_US on Instagram to enter.
Registration and ticket information for 2024 APP Tour events are available on theapp.global. To learn more about The Botanist, visit thebotanist.com.
¹NielsenIQ Discover, $ Volume, 9L Case Volume, L52W 12/30/23, Total US xAOC + Total Combined Liquor Plus
²Drinks International Annual Brands Report 2023
