What do you do alongside running 13 Oaks Gin? I am a sixth-generation farmer, specialising in poultry. Proudly born and raised in Wrenbury in Cheshire where the working farm still resides today. What made you decide to move into distilling spirits? Being an avid gin enthusiast, I wanted to deep dive into the craft, science, and artistry of the entire process of distillation. The more I learnt, the deeper the interest. Refining recipes, embracing mistakes, and growing along the way. The rest is history. What is the meaning behind the 13 Oaks Distillery name? The meaning behind the brand name is a story close to my heart. 13 has always been special to me. I'm the 13th grandchild of my Nan, it is my lucky number, and my birthday. Oak represents my heritage, a tribute to the fields surrounding our family farm, lined with strong, enduring oak trees.
Can you tell us more about your distillery and your still? Nestled within our family farm, 13 Oaks Gin is proudly family-run and rooted in traditional distillation methods. Our British-made still, Ayrton, is at the centre of it all. We carefully select and weigh each botanical, and every bottle is crafted entirely on site, from distillation and bottling through to wax dipping and labelling. Can you tell us more about your distillation process? We only use a traditional one-shot distillation method, which accounts for only 2% of all gin produced in the world and is preferred by craft distillers. As a result, our gins have clean, distinctive flavours. It took 3 years of meticulous recipe refinement before we were totally satisfied with our London Dry Gin. Today it stands as a multi-award winner, juniper-forward, bold and unmistakably classic. What is your ambition for 13 Oaks Distillery in the years to come? In the future, we aim to grow beyond production, offering gin tastings and guided tours. We started locally, building a reputation for traditionally made craft gins. Our vision is to now expand into other regions in the UK.
What are your favourite ways to drink your gin?
Pour 50 ml of 13 Oaks Gin over plenty of ice. Top with 200 ml of skinny tonic or low-flavour tonic, allowing the spirit to remain the star of the drink. Stir gently and serve, letting the botanicals shine through. This gin is designed to be enjoyed, not hidden, so keep it simple, keep it cold, and let the flavours sing. Desert Island Gins: Which 3 gins would you take with you and why? It changes weekly! I am always purchasing or being gifted gins from here, there and everywhere, but at the moment it is:
What's next for you and 13 Oaks Distillery - any exciting plans? Our goal is to steadily grow 13 Oaks Gin into a respected name known for authenticity, craftsmanship and quality. We are committed to remaining a genuinely small-batch craft distillery, producing a fully handmade, high-end spirit where every detail matters. As we grow, we will protect the integrity of our process and never compromise on quality. Our focus is on building a strong reputation for exceptional gin, rooted in traditional craft methods, careful attention to flavour, and a dedication to producing a finished product that stands alongside the best in the premium gin category. Growth for us means staying true to our values, craft first, quality always. You Might Also Like...
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