The Glugger - Flipbook - Page 17
What is the hardest
part of a distiller’s job?
As we produce for other companies
there have been the odd occasion when
a product isn’t 100% right and I can’t
be convinced. It might be the design
concept, flavour profile or just a feeling.
In those times you have to have a
frank and honest conversation with the
customer and say I think we need
to take a step back and re-think this
element. It means more time spent but
most people accept that we want to get it
right and its often worth the wait to have
a product that everyone is happy with.
What trends do you anticipate
in the beverage industry in the
coming months?
Probably an increase in Ready-to-Drink
(RTD) category, people like the ability to
take drinks with them and have the same
experience of what they like. Also,
the changes with the recent duty charges
are going to push things into new areas
I can only imagine meaning new products
arriving in the market to compensate for
the 1st August Duty changes.
and the amount of pubs closing every
week it’s not been easy! Every industry is
struggling to make a profit. And with the
price of raw materials such as cardboard,
glass, botanicals... well everything!
It just seems to have a price increase
every week. It’s getting harder for
distilleries to survive.
Which is your go-to drink and
what is the perfect setting
you enjoy it in?
E18hteen award winning 42% London
dry and a light tonic , (or maybe a pint of
Guinness!). But I do love a Negroni or
Aperol spritz. The perfect setting is
in front of a log fire in the Winter or
when it’s a warm Summers day!
Whats next for E18hteen Gin?
What skill or topic are you
learning currently and why?
What are some of the most
important skills for a distiller?
Arrrhhhh. Good question... I would say
willingness to fail...Distilling is 75%
science and 25% magic. Which means
to a certain degree you have to take
risks, but these are calculated based on
experience and intuition...to a degree.
Taking risks and making mistakes is how
you build an amazing product and an
amazing brand....But also I find this is the
best way of moving forward. Experiment,
learn and improve on next time.
We have recently purchased new
equipment to allow us to do more
in-house. We decided to purchase
a commercial label printing machine
and a screen printer, both of which are
a massive benefit to us.
What are the current challenges
the spirits industry is facing
according to you?
I think every industry is facing challenges
at the moment, but the spirits business
has just had the new duty pricing and with
the cost of living crisis currently on going
A holiday hahah!!! In addition to that we
have a few new projects that we are keen
to get off the ground that I think people
will be very keen on (watch this space).
We are also very proud to have a very
strong relationship with Tolchards and
we are always keen to support their
customers in any way we can.
