'Sure it may damage your liver, but it could make me millions'

Ricky Gervais has become co-owner of a distillery.

The comic will now use his global platform to help sell the products of Ellers Farm Distillery, starting with its Dutch Barn Orchard Vodka.

However, last year he admitted the downsides of alcohol  and said: ‘It's probably not a great idea to drink full stop.’

In a new video to promote his new partnership, he says his investment  ‘could literally make me hundreds of millions - so please buy it’.

And he adds: ‘Yeah, sure, like all strong liquor, it may damage your liver and your well being but think how happy it’ll make me.’

The comic admits to an unusual approach to marketing the vodka n a press release announcing the deal. In it, he’s quoted as saying: ‘The exciting part for me is that I’ve been promised that I can try to make it a global brand in my own way. Something I can’t help but think they will regret.’

Dutch Barn Orchard Vodka is made from apples, rather than grain or potatoes, and the North Yorkshire based company boasts of its ethical credentials. It is carbon neutral, uses largely recycled bottles and supports reforestation projects around the world – and in September was awarded B-Corp status for being an ethical employer.

Last month it struck a deal with Tesco to have its spirits in 48 stores across Yorkshire. It also makes gins, liqueurs and English single malt whisky.

Gervais added: ‘I’d been looking to invest in eco-friendly businesses for a while and as soon as I found Dutch Barn – I wanted in! I love the planet and I love a drink so it was the perfect combination. On a serious note, Dutch Barn really is a quality product. I love the fact that it’s done differently and I can’t wait to let everyone know about it.’

Chris Fraser, who founded the distillery in 2021 added: ‘We are so excited to have Ricky join the team.  

‘With so many hollow celebrity cash-for-face brand endorsement deals out there, we are really pleased to have forged an authentic partnership with Ricky involving both investment and creative leadership.  

‘Ricky will be an integral part of the business going forward and will help shape how Dutch Barn is seen around the world and helping us make Dutch Barn a global success.’ 

Gervais spoke about his drinking habits to the Joe website last year, saying: ‘I have a glass of wine at six o'clock. I mean, I'm looking at the clock at five to six.

‘I just think I enjoy doing it. I think that if it started ruining your life, or affecting your life, or you can't get up the next day, then it's probably not a great idea.

‘In fact, it's probably not a great idea to drink full stop.’

Published: 28 Nov 2023