Move over, existing End of Days gins: there is an exotic new variety winging its way to ABC store shelves across the state.
 
End of Days, a distillery at 1815 Castle St. in Wilmington, is preparing to introduce butterfly pea flower gin to its spirits portfolio. Butterfly pea flower, a plant grown in the South Pacific, is a common ingredient in many herbal teas, mixed drinks, and cosmetic products. Advocates say the plant is rich in antioxidants and may be linked to several health benefits.
 
“It has been used for years in cocktails, but until recently it was illegal in the U.S. to add to distilled spirits,” said End of Days co-owner Shane Faulkner. “The FDA has now made it legal.”
 
For its new product, called Luna Bloom, End of Days adds butterfly pea flower to the gin after it’s distilled.
 
The distillery plans a release party Sunday, with the new gin featured in a signature cocktail, The French Bloom, and dinner by Pine Valley Market. The party is a ticketed event for which a few spaces may still remain, Faulkner said.
 
Following the official kickoff, Luna Bloom will be available for purchase from End of Days and at most ABC stores throughout North Carolina, he added.
 
“Check with a store first,” he said.
 
Faulkner and his wife, Beth Faulkner, opened End of Days with the launch of its Port of Entry line of spirits in January 2020. Since then, the Faulkners have continued to add new products and win awards for their gin, vodka and rum.
 
In June, the distillery announced a new line of canned cocktails and the acquisition of additional space nearby for processing and storage.