Highclere Castle Spirits and Heritage Wine & Spirits based out of Kentucky transacted the first payment between supplier and distributor in Bitcoin, believed to be the first of its kind within the global spirits industry. Highclere Castle Spirits sold 10 cases of Highclere Castle Gin to the distributor for sale into the Kentucky market in February, with a larger order to follow. The transaction marks a growing trend of companies integrating cryptocurrency into their business model. Fans around the world recognize Highclere Castle as the iconic location of the Emmy-winning television drama and film “Downton Abbey.” Highclere Castle Gin, a London dry gin, was released throughout the United States and the United Kingdom in late 2019. The company is based at Highclere Castle and maintains U.S. offices in Connecticut. Highclere Castle Gin is forecasting more than 20,000 cases to be sold in 2021 and is also on track to be the world’s most awarded gin, with a recent “Best Gin” category win from the John Barleycorn Society among awards since its launch.