Robb Report Backs Cygnet as the Welsh Gin Brand Expands Globally
A new chapter opens for the Welsh brand as it looks beyond its home market.
Jan 30, 2026
In a spirits market increasingly crowded with new labels and limited editions, Cygnet has taken a more contained approach. Founded in Wales in 2023, the gin brand has focused on a small portfolio, controlled growth, and a clear premium positioning rather than rapid expansion. Since entering the U.S. market last fall, it has begun to register with consumers looking beyond novelty toward structure and intent.
That measured strategy has now been reinforced by a strategic investment from Robb Report, marking a rare instance of the luxury publisher moving beyond editorial authority into direct involvement with a spirits brand.
“Cygnet is an extraordinary brand that blends innovation, artistry, and sustainability, resulting in a timeless luxury spirit,” said Luke Bahrenburg, CEO of Robb Report, noting the alignment between the publication’s focus on craftsmanship and the brand’s approach to spirits-making.
Built for the High End
Cygnet’s range currently comprises four expressions. The core release, Cygnet Welsh Dry Gin, is built around 12 botanicals, including juniper, chamomile, and pink grapefruit. Cygnet 22 expands the profile to 22 botanicals, incorporating almond and Manuka honey, and serves as the brand’s flagship expression.
Cygnet 77 takes the same liquid and ages it in used Welsh whisky barrels for 55 weeks, pushing the gin into a space that sits between traditional gin and whisky-led spirits. This category continues to attract interest at the luxury end of the market.
In December 2025, Cygnet added Infinity to the portfolio, a non-alcoholic spirit based on the 22-botanical recipe and distilled to remove alcohol. The release reflects a growing shift toward moderation without abandoning complexity or ritual.
Welsh Roots and Measured Expansion
All Cygnet expressions are produced at the Copperworks Distillery in Swansea, Wales, a site also associated with Penderyn single malt whisky. Production and provenance play a central role in the brand’s identity, anchoring its premium positioning in process rather than marketing.
The company’s leadership has evolved alongside its expansion. In November 2024, former Campari Group CEO Matteo Fantacchiotti joined Cygnet as Partner and Chairman. He described Robb Report’s involvement as “a major milestone,” adding that the investment provides “a powerful platform to enhance consumer engagement and establish Cygnet as a leader in luxury spirits.”
As Cygnet continues to expand internationally, the partnership offers added visibility while reinforcing a model of growth shaped by restraint, craftsmanship, and long-term intent rather than scale alone.