Carthy, who retains joint ownership of Slingsby Gin, has joined Hacien tequila as a shareholder and will take an official position on the advisory board.

"I’ve spent the last 44 years involved in the UK spirits market, and I see all the same signs in the premium tequila sector now that we saw at the beginning of the gin revolution. The modern drinker is adventurous, educated, and actively looking for quality,” said Carthy.

“The shift from tequila as a shot to a premium, versatile spirit for cocktails and sipping is undeniable. Hacien is perfectly positioned to lead this charge. Their commitment to 100% agave, authentic production, and on-trend flavour range is exactly what customers want," Carthy continued.

Seb Francis, co-founder of Hacien, added: "To have the backing from Mike is a monumental endorsement of our brand and vision. His journey with Slingsby Gin is legendary, and he fundamentally understands how to build a category-defining brand. His strategic insight and experience will be invaluable as we continue to innovate and lead the flavoured tequila space in the UK. We are delighted to welcome him to the team."

Carthy joins a team of investors including Doug Bouton, president of ice cream brand Halo Top.