Style: Vodka | ABV: 40% | Size: 500 ml | Standard Drinks: 16.6
Limited Release: For Bob's one year anniversary, he's created a chilli jam vodka.
The Lewis Special is what happens when a jar of homemade chilli jam gets passed around between friends, and one of them just so happens to work at a distillery.
This is a fruit-forward vodka built around sweet heat, bright citrus and tropical softness. It warms gently rather than burns — welcoming both spice lovers and the spice-curious alike. Just as comfortable poured simply with soda and lime as it is shaken into refreshing citrus cocktails.
THE STORY:
A couple of years back, a close friend of Newcastle bartender Bob Lewis made a batch of chilli jam and gave little jars to all her friends for Christmas. Using chillies from their Granddad's garden and their own backyard harvest, they made the most incredible jam. Toasties, spaghetti, even cheesecake — Bob tried that jam on everything.
When the time came to think about what spirit he'd like to make for his one-year anniversary at Granddad Jack's, he kept coming back to that jar. Not just because it tasted amazing, but because of what it represented — sharing something made with care between friends.
The friend who made that jam just so happens to share the same last name as Bob. So, in honour of her — this is The Lewis Special.
From inspiration to recipes to label design, this spirit wouldn't exist without the friends who pushed him, helped him and supported the idea along the way. This spirit is for them.
— Robert "Bob" Lewis, Bartender · Granddad Jack's Newcastle
TASTING NOTES
Nose: Velvety strawberry rises first, wrapped in bright lime zest and a flicker of chilli warmth. Vanilla sits quietly underneath, smooth and composed.
Palate: Zesty lemon and lime open the palate before a ginger-like bite and native pepperberry warmth build through the middle. Strawberry and vanilla soften the spice before mango and coconut add a round tropical sweetness.
Finish: Lingering warmth that builds slowly rather than burns. Sweet meets spice, with both hanging around just long enough to invite the next sip.
BOTANICALS
Birds Eye Chilli · Lime · Strawberry · Native Pepperberry · Mango · Coconut · Vanilla
BEST SERVED
Lewis Special Collins: 45ml The Lewis Special, 20ml fresh lime juice, 15ml simple syrup, top with soda water. Build over ice in a tall glass and garnish with a fresh strawberry and chilli wheel.
Vodka Lemonade: 45ml The Lewis Special over ice, top with lemonade, squeeze of fresh lime. Cold glass. Good ice. That's it.
PERFECT FOR: Spicy margarita lovers · Citrus cocktail fans · Vodka soda drinkers looking for something different · Anyone who's earned a proper drink.
Limited release. Made in small batches. Once it's gone, it's gone.
