Ginmaker Blackwater Distillery has partnered with independent drinks distributor Barry & Fitzwilliam to increase the presence of its award-winning gin following a brand refresh.

The Irish company said the "reputation and drive" of Barry & Fitzwilliam made it a perfect match for its ambitions, and that its spirits could now be made available nationwide in on and off trade.

"Being represented by Barry & Fitzwilliam, with their unrivalled national network, is a very big and exciting step forward for us in reaching our goal of building the Blackwater brand to be the best that it can be," said Peter Mulryan of Blackwater Distillery.

The company's portfolio includes the World Gin Awards Best Irish London Dry Gin-winning Blackwater No 5; Blackwater Wexford Strawberry Gin, which won Silver at the World Gin Awards, and upcoming vodka releases.

"We are delighted to be working with Blackwater Distillery and we are confident that we can grow the brand to become one of the leading Premium Craft Spirit Brands in the market," said Michael Barry, MD of Barry & Fitzwilliam.

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Waterford-based Blackwater was founded in 2014 and has net assets of close to €2m, including €670,000 in cash, according to its latest accounts, for the 2020 financial year. The company employed 10 people that year.