Who are your father figures?

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n most countries, the third Sunday in June is dedicated to fathers in all shapes and sizes. For this year’s Father’s Day, we propose a slightly different approach: let’s celebrate not just the dads out there, however awesome they may be, but each and every one of the influential men in our lives.

A true father figure guides you, helps you grow, shows you the way to your better self. His intentions are pure, based on gentleness and generosity. He’s a protector who would catch a grenade for you, so to speak. It goes without saying that dads can and should be father figures, but uncles, grandfathers, teachers and (sports) coaches are capable of playing a similar role in our lives.

A simple question to consider: who are your father figures? Who do you look up to, who do you turn to for advice and answers? Which men have the ability to inspire, challenge and encourage you to be the best person you can be? Honour them as much and explicitly as you can, because everybody likes some praise – though they might not be asking for it.

The most influential man for Sir Edmond, you ask? Well, Edmond Albius of course. The man who single-handedly changed the course of vanilla history. Upon hearing his story, we felt compelled to include it in our own. Without his pioneering work in the spring of 1841, our gin would literally not exist. If anyone deserves the title ‘father figure’, it’s the man pictured on the inside of our bottles (just take a peek through the frame on the back and you will see him). Our gin journey is a continuous ode to Edmond’s legacy. Using his first name is our tribute. His name means ‘protector’, and we couldn’t wish for a better one. Like him, Sir Edmond Gin has vanilla flowing through its veins. Being a migratory bird from Réunion, our beloved island paradise east of Madagascar, the protection of African wildlife is as dear to us as making the best vanilla infused gin possible. I guess it’s in our DNA.

I may be a rebellious spirit, but I acknowledge my responsibility just like all fathers figures. In the face of human threats, we stand by our fellow animals on the African continent. How? Simple: for every bottle sold, there’s a contribution to the African Wildlife Foundation. What’s more beautiful and meaningful than returning the favour? That’s exactly what Father’s Day is all about, as well.

Want to thank your father(s) for all the love, advice and aswers you’ve received? Treat him to a delicious vanilla infused Gin & Tonic. If I may make a suggestion: garnish your G&T with a slice of orange and a cinnamon stick, and a smile on your father’s face is guaranteed. Fly to my shop to get your hands on a bottle of Sir Edmond Gin.