AWARD-WINNING gin from NB Distillery is to be rolled out in 20 American states in the coming months.

The North Berwick distillery, run by husband and wife Steve and Viv Muir, has sealed a deal with Total Wine & More, the largest drinks retailer in the US, which is expected to exceed £4m in sales over the next five years.

It will see NB’s Original London Dry Gin and Navy Strength introduced to Total Wine & More.

Both gins will initially be introduced to 80 per cent of Total Wine’s stores across New York, New Jersey, Florida and California, with plans to expand the range across additional states later this year.

Mrs Muir, who launched the business with her husband in 2013, said: “We have been evolving and expanding throughout Europe and Asia in recent years, and to have the interest and ‘thirst’ from this retail giant is hugely significant in our growth plans.

“The market is quite literally booming; 1.5 million more UK adults are drinking gin than four years ago, so this represents a huge opportunity.

“With the imminent opening of our new distillery and the switch to a 24-hour production process, we can now easily satisfy the demand for the product range; so much so that our first US order will see a 40ft shipping container leave Scotland’s shores.

“With only three other Scottish gins selected by the retailer, it’s great for us to sit alongside the likes of Hendrick’s and Tanqueray, and indeed an exciting prospect for the Scottish gin market.”

NB Distillery has come a long way from its modest beginnings in the Muirs’ kitchen and they are preparing for the official opening of their new distillery at Halfland Barns, due to open its doors to tours this Saturday.

Mrs Muir added: “This is only the start of our US journey, and as such we are keen to invite investment discussions to the table to help develop this opportunity even more and tap into the potential our proposition brings.

“We want to expand distribution even more, build the brand and overall maximise the platform Total Wine has provided us with. We are extremely passionate about our products and would now like to work alongside like-minded people who want to become part of our journey, who can help strengthen the US business and work with us to drive it forward.”

NG London Dry Gin will be available Stateside at $34.99 per 750ml bottle, while NB Navy Strength has a recommended retail price of $44.99.