munchies.vice.com – As Bristol Dry Gin cheekily Instagrammed its new Novichok vodka, a woman died from exposure to the chemical a mere 60 miles away.
When it comes to launching small-batch novelty booze, there’s bad timing, and then there’s Bristol Dry Gin timing. As the Bristol, England-based distillery excitedly Instagrammed its newest product, a 44-year-old woman was dying from the same chemical it commemorated on its label.
On Saturday, Bristol Gin posted a picture of six bottles of its Novichok Vodka, which it named for a powerful nerve agent used to poison former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter. “Our new limited edition vodka is out,” Bristol wrote on Facebook and Instagram. “Set at 75%, this smooth drinking spirit is no laughing matter. Available as a 35cl bottle, perfect for manbags [sic] and gym bottles, or as a pack of three 5cl minis, a great solution to body cavity searches.”
While Bristol Gin pressed “Post” on its picture, 44-year-old mother of three Dawn Sturgess was in critical condition in a hospital in Salisbury—just 60 miles away. She died from suspected Novichok poisoning the next day. (Sturgess’ partner, Charlie Rowley, remains “critically ill,” according to Bristol Live.)
