A POPULAR Worcester distillery has worked with Severn Valley Railway to create a speciality gin infused with coal. 

The new gin, in collaboration with Piston Distillery based in Diglis, has been inspired by the Railway’s heritage and has a rich fruit flavour with blackberries from hedgerows and wooden notes inspired by railway sleepers.

Crushed and blended charcoal make the gin black in colour, representing the railway’s history and steam powered locomotives.

Nicky Freeman, the SVR's visitor experience manager, said: "We’re excited to be launching this new and exclusive Severn Valley Railway Gin.

"The special blend of flavours combined with a hint of heritage railway has resulted in a coal infused gin which we hope will be a popular choice in the run up to Christmas.”

The new gin retails at £39.99 and is available from the Severn Valley Railway gift shops, with online sales being available soon.

Grace Stringer managing director of Piston Gin said: "This has been an incredible project to be involved with, combining the history of the railway with Piston’s old school distillation methods.

"The end result is a refreshing, clean tasting Gin with a difference."

The gin is also on sale at the Severn Valley Railway's pubs, The Railwayman Arms at Bridgnorth and The King & Castle at Kidderminster.

Severn Valley Railway are also running a Festive Gin Train event, where you can sample gins on board the heritage train, while Piston’s staff tell you about the botanicals and flavours that go into their products. 

For more information, you can visit the Severn Valley Railway website.