It's the sack for RubyBlue Potato Vodka at Dublin Airport

Northern Ireland's RubyBlue Potato Vodka has launched a unique gift pack that features the drink in a specially designed Irish potato sack.

The new sack is the result of a repeated request by The Loop duty-free shop at Dublin International Airport for special packaging for customers.

Barbara and Stuart Hughes, owners of RubyBlue, which is based in Lisburn, county Antrim, started work on the design but the real challenge was to make the potato sack fit snug to the bottle so it didn't create a hazard when on the retail shelf.

"It took us six months to get the design right and now that the gift packs are on the shelves in Dublin Airport," says Barbara Hughes. "The only problem is keeping them in stock!

"They've proved really popular with passengers looking for a unique gift from Ireland. Anyone who wants to treat themselves to a great vodka can avail of The Loop's Shop & Collect facility so they can enjoy the specially packaged Potato Vodka when they return home," adds Barbara.

Most vodka is made from grain, but potatoes give it a smoother, creamier flavour. RubyBlue's version is a multi-award-winner. Made by Hughes Craft Distillery, the business started by Stuart and Barbara Hughes, it has won Silver and Gold medals at the New York World Wine and Spirits and the Global Vodka Masters awards.

Its creators wanted to produce a drink that matches gin in sophistication and depth of flavour.

"It is exceptionally smooth, with an appealing nose. It is buttery, well-rounded with a heartening earthiness and a long, clean finish. It is perfect neat but it also makes a great base for cocktails.

"We found that when people taste our potato vodka they tell us that it doesn't have the roughness expected from vodka and it's the nicest vodka they've tasted. When they try our signature serve with a dash of white lemonade, sprig of thyme, and a slice of green apple, they're converted," she adds.

RubyBlue Potato Vodka is available at The Loop, Dublin Airport in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.

The RubyBlue range of award-winning fresh fruit liqueurs in Chilli Pepper, Wild Blueberry, Cranberry and Blackcurrant flavours is also available to purchase before passengers fly. Made from carefully selected berries, fruits and botanicals from the countryside, they lock the purity of nature into their unique infusions. They can be enjoyed with crushed ice, over ice-cream or with Prosecco.