If there was ever a time of year made for Granny Garbutt, it would have to be Halloween!
Standing at just 4ft 10in, Granny Garbutt may have been small in stature, but she certainly made up for it in personality. A mischievous little minx with a twinkle in her eye, a cheeky sense of humour and a fondness for a little harmless trouble, we reckon she'd have absolutely loved Halloween.
In fact, we can just imagine her getting up to all sorts of mischief, probably with a gin in hand!
And that's exactly the spirit we've captured in Granny Garbutt's Gin, one of the much-loved creations from our independent Devon distillery, Exeter Gin.
Small in Stature, Big on Character
Granny Garbutt wasn't your average granny and we certainly didn't want to create an average gin in her honour.
She had character, charm and just the right amount of cheekiness. At 4ft 10in, she was proof that the best things really do come in small packages.
We like to think she'd be rather pleased to have a gin named after her. Although knowing Granny, she'd probably have had a few opinions on how it should be served!
And with Halloween approaching, we're raising a glass to the woman who inspired it all.
The Secret Ingredient? A Little Real Vanilla Magic
Every good Halloween story needs a little magic and Granny Garbutt's Gin has a rather special ingredient of its own.
Real vanilla from our friends at LittlePod.
Vanilla might not be the first botanical that springs to mind when you think of gin, but that's precisely what makes it so interesting.
Far from being reserved for cakes, custards and ice cream, real vanilla can bring wonderful warmth, depth and a subtle rounded character to spirits.
And we're not talking about artificial vanilla flavouring. LittlePod champions real vanilla from the pod, celebrating the farmers who grow it and the extraordinary versatility of this much-loved ingredient.
It's that little unexpected twist that makes Granny Garbutt's Gin rather special.
After all, Granny was never one for following the crowd!
Unexpectedly Vanilla – Celebrating International Real Vanilla Day
October isn't just about pumpkins, witches and things that go bump in the night.
Saturday 17th October 2026 is International Real Vanilla Day, an occasion particularly close to the hearts of our friends at LittlePod.
This year, LittlePod is celebrating with the theme "Unexpectedly Vanilla", encouraging people to discover how real vanilla can work with ingredients and flavours they might never have considered.
We couldn't think of a more fitting way to celebrate than with Granny Garbutt's Gin.
Who would have thought that a cheeky little granny from Devon and a touch of real vanilla would make such a lovely combination?
It's a reminder that sometimes the most interesting flavours come from trying something a little different.
A Halloween Gin with a Difference
While Halloween might traditionally be associated with pumpkin spice, toffee apples and warming autumn flavours, we think there's plenty of room for a little gin too.
Granny Garbutt's Gin is a lovely choice for an autumn evening, whether you're hosting a Halloween gathering, enjoying a cosy night in or simply fancy something a little different from your usual G&T.
For a suitably spooky serve, try our Granny's Halloween G&T:
- 50ml Granny Garbutt's Gin
- Premium tonic water
- Plenty of ice
- A slice of fresh orange
-
A cinnamon stick for an autumnal finishing touch
Serve in your favourite gin glass, and you've got a simple seasonal drink that lets the gin do the talking.
No bubbling cauldrons or complicated potions required.
Although we're fairly certain Granny would have approved of a little theatrical flair!
A Gin with a Story Worth Telling
At Exeter Gin, we're proud to create artisan spirits that have personality, provenance and a story behind them.
Granny Garbutt's Gin is a perfect example.
Inspired by a real character, crafted with care here in Devon and featuring real vanilla from LittlePod, it's a gin that brings together tradition, creativity and just a little bit of mischief.
We love working with fellow independent businesses that share our appreciation for quality ingredients and craftsmanship. Our connection with LittlePod is another part of our commitment to creating spirits that offer something beyond the ordinary.
And while Granny Garbutt herself may no longer be around to enjoy a Halloween tipple, we think she'd be rather amused to know her name lives on in a bottle of gin.
Especially one with a little unexpected vanilla magic.
Here's to Granny Garbutt!
So this Halloween, whether you're dressing up, staying in or simply enjoying a well-earned G&T, why not raise a glass to Granny?
She may have been only 4ft 10in, but she certainly wasn't short on mischief.
And we have a feeling she'd have been the first one causing trouble at the Halloween party.
Discover Granny Garbutt's Gin, proudly made in Devon by Exeter Gin.
Shop Exeter Gin online and find your next favourite gin.
Happy Halloween from all of us at Exeter Gin!