ABOUT:

What was the inspiration behind starting your distillery?

When Cheryl and I met and sat chatting over gin cocktails while out on our first date, we could never have envisaged where that mutual appreciation of this iconic spirit would take us in just a few short years later.

Our Ruddy Fine Gin came from a fascination in the flavours and methods involved in creating this wonderful spirit and a desire to make something truly amazing, which we could hopefully pass on to our children.

Tinkering with steeping a few locally sourced botanicals soon progressed through to a little 5 litre copper still in our kitchen.

We now proudly develop our range of gins close to home, with the help of our beautiful still, 'Marion'.

What was your career and interests until the point of deciding to start a spirits business or work for one?

I worked in Event Management for nearly 30 years, working on some of the most prestigious events all around the UK and overseas and Cheryl runs a successful Garden Design Company, so in conjunction with having four children, we are not afraid of a bit of hard work! 

What are your views on the future of the spirits industry and it's current state?

Elements of the industry have enjoyed boom times in recent years, which has led to the creation of some truly amazing products and opportunities for people to pursue their dreams.  

Long may that continue.

What plans does the distillery have for the future?

In addition to producing more fabulous Gin flavours, we are in the process of developing the front area at the Distillery into an art deco style bar/ tasting room, where small numbers of Gin fans can come to sample our flavours and learn a little more about what we do.

What do you find the most challenging in your day to day role?

Keeping up with Cheryl's list of instructions, said with a cheeky wink.

What are your views on sustainability?

We are both compulsive recyclers and are always looking for ways to reduce our carbon footprint.  

It is essential that everyone takes responsibility for their own area. We installed a re-circulating water cooling system to reduce wastage when we first installed our still and ensure that wherever possible we are using recyclable or compostable materials with no single use plastics.  

In addition, we make sure we are constantly educating our children on the importance of sustainability, to ensure the message is carried through to the next generation. 

Is there a spirit or variation, not in your portfolio, that you are really keen to create and why?

I really fancy looking at a Spiced Rum.

What is your favourite part of your job?

There's a very easy answer to that one, its the sampling.

Okay a few light hearted questions now.

If you could have any celebrity as an apprentice, who would it be and why?

Ryan Reynolds, his Aviation Gin ads are hilarious.

What would your spirit animal be and why?

Mine would be a Lion as I do like a nap in the afternoon.  

Cheryl would be the mosquito that keeps buzzing around while I am trying to have a kip.

What's the funniest thing that has happened in your job?

Cheryl has an accident prone nature, which results in her repeatedly burning the end of her nose when peering through the viewing glass on the still.

Its fair to say she has not learnt from her mistake.

If you ran away and joined the circus, what would your act be?

We would be the 'Juggling Duo' as with 4 kids and successful businesses, this is something we have become really good at.  

I do have a uni-cycle which I have had for around 20 years but to this day I still cant ride it without injury.

If you had a time machine would you travel to the future or back to the past, and why?

Definitely back to the 1920's. No technology, fantastic décor, great fashions and I really fancy being able to wear a monocle and get away with it.

and finally ............

What would your first steps be in a zombie apocalypse?

As big fans of the 'Walking Dead' box set, we are all over this question and have discussed it extensively.

Food, weapons, secure accommodation (ideally with external compound for crop/ botanical growing) and an all terrain vehicle with plenty of fuel.