Hendrick’s Gin embraces the quirky in its first ever U.K. Christmas TV ad, a homage to Victorian surrealism that features a butler with the head of a hammerhead shark.
The film’s creation was led by agency Creative Directors Jerry Stifelman and Ron Pushkar. Animation was created by Tulips and Chimneys, fronted by Director Ree Treweek ad via production company Strange Beast. “This ad is simply an allegory for our gin,” explained Stifelman in a statement. “With its infusions of rose and cucumber, Hendrick’s at first seems unusual—yet when you investigate further by taking a sip, you discover a delectable world of wondrous flavor.”
A wider campaign, marking a multimillion pound investment by brand owner William Grant & Sons into Hendrick’s Gin during the holiday season includes out-of-home, social media, search, PR and in-store activity. Meanwhile, in the U.S., Hendricks is also tapping into Victoria surrealism; the brand is selling a $2,500 limited edtion penny farthing-style exercise bike.