Founded by “Andy” a UKSF Veteran, Hotspur LEAF, Ltd is becoming well established in their homeland with a reputation for offering elite military customers high quality spirits in innovative packaging. This makes for excellent gifts and mementos. They are also gaining some interest from US units who have begun to see the bottles during exchange visits. The bottles have been restricted to military units and their members, until now.
Their OPERATOR Range is just open is open to civilian purchase and features a bottle with custom lid which is a perfect scale replica of a high-cut FAST helmet. Cast in solid pewter, it includes a ‘functioning’ night vision system and an IR strobe that are initiated by a motion sensor and powered by an internal, rechargeable, battery.
Every Operator lid is hand assembled in the UK by craftsmen. The pewter outer is bolted, with stainless bolts, to an internal 304 stainless steel carriage that also supports and holds the electronics. The 304 stainless steel pouring spout engages with the stainless carriage and seals via an ‘o’ ring seal.
The 1st Civilian Edition is filled with an 8 year old single malt, single cask scotch whisky, specially chosen by Jason ‘Foxy’ Fox at the Annandale Distillery in Scotland. For military bottles there are options on the spirits you may like.
To maintain its OPERATOR ‘DNA’ the bottle is packaged in an ex-military 40mm grenade ammo tin.
Here’s what you get:
• Presented in a genuine military issue 40mm grenade tin. (These are supplied from the Ministry of Defence and may show signs of wear and on occasions rust) This is intended to add OPERATOR Character to the product.
• A presentation booklet that documents Jasons journey and reasons for being involved with the OPERATOR brand.
• An FFE Certificate (Free From Explosives as supplied in an old ammo can)
• A certificate of authenticity
• A Quality Assurance card
• Every bottle is individually numbered.
• The 1st Edition is strictly limited to 2500 pcs.
• Pre orders will receive a free OPERATOR 40mm HE grenade hip flask. Offer ends when the first bottles are shipped, this is likely to be Mid/end of July 2024.
I actually learned of the line through Jason Fox who is a brand ambassador for The OPERATOR Range. Jason is also UKSF Veteran and a founder of ThruDark, a clothing brand. I then chased Andy and his main business Hotspur LEAF Ltd, down through some friends at Edgar Brothers who are starting to work with The OPERATOR Range.
Andy had this to say about what motivated him to create this brand:
Hotspur LEAF was created to embody the core principles from UKSF selection process. These include honesty, integrity, humility & to be relentless in the pursuit of excellence. Values we strive for every day within our business.
The business began in the shadows, solely supplying discreet military units and related entities with premium quality spirits & bespoke laser engraved items. We earned a reputation for quality, discretion and a ‘name’ for creating truly unique products for unique people. We grew steadily through personal recommendation.
I recently spent about an hour on a video conference with Andy and I was overwhelmed by their offerings. Check them out.
Civillian edition orders: PLEASE CLICK HERE
Military orders: PLEASE CLICK HERE
Their main website is www.hotspurleaf.com
Legit!