Can gin be both spicy and sustainable? Absolutely. Case in point: Herefordshire-based Penrhos Spirits and food-waste heroes Oddbox are turning up the temperature with their latest collaboration, the Pear & Chilli Gin.
Crafted from “imperfect” pears and locally grown jalapeños that would have otherwise gone to waste, this limited-edition release brings together heat, sweetness, and sustainability in one striking 70cl aluminium bottle.
Only 500 bottles have been created, each one celebrating the oddities that make nature interesting. It’s the UK’s first-ever pear and chilli gin, a pairing that taps into the global “swicy” trend (sweet + spicy) dominating 2025’s flavour charts. Think fruity warmth with a lively kick, a drink made for adventurous palates and chilly autumn nights.
How did two waste-fighting brands bottle “sweet heat”?
This isn’t the first time Penrhos and Oddbox have joined forces. Their first collaboration, a cucumber and apple gin, sold out in 2023. But this year’s release took things up a notch. After a record-hot British summer produced an unusually fiery jalapeño harvest, the Penrhos team spent months perfecting the balance.
More than 20 recipes were tested by Penrhos’ tasting panel before the winning blend emerged: a gin with a genuine hit of chilli heat that doesn’t overpower the juicy, orchard-fresh pear base. It’s a “sweet heat” designed for sipping, gifting, and creating cocktails that surprise.
The team behind the bottle describes it as their “most challenging gin yet,” and it shows. The result is vibrant, bold, and just the right side of daring.
What does it taste like and how should you drink it?
The Pear & Chilli Gin is a versatile spirit that leans into its dual personality: bright and crisp upfront, with an unmistakable warmth that builds on the finish.
Both brands have leaned into this playful duality with a “Pick Your Pearsonality” quiz, helping drinkers discover if they’re sweet, spicy, or bold and serving up matching cocktail recipes.
Highlights include:
The Spiced 75 – a sparkling pear-and-chilli twist on the classic French 75.
The Picante Pear – zesty, fiery, and perfect for those who like a little bite.
The Farmarita – a gin-based margarita with a pinch of heat and a pear garnish.
Each serve celebrates the gin’s unique flavour, whether you’re chasing warmth, sweetness, or both.
Why this gin matters
Beyond its bold taste, this launch reinforces what both Penrhos and Oddbox stand for: rethinking how we use and value our food. Oddbox’s rescued produce and Penrhos’ recycled aluminium packaging (which cuts carbon footprint by 91% compared to glass) make this more than a drink. It’s a statement on sustainability done right.
For anyone seeking a Christmas gift that’s equal parts stylish, sustainable, and conversation-starting, the Penrhos x Oddbox Pear & Chilli Gin fits the bill. It’s available exclusively at penrhosspirits.co.uk and market.oddbox.co.uk for £34.95 (70cl, 42% ABV).
