What did you do before creating and launching Silhouette Stills Gin? I started my career in construction, working on the commercial side carrying out internal fit-out projects. I later decided to redirect my experience in the construction industry into the landscaped environment, and having gained a BA Honours degree in Landscape Architecture, I set up my own business to create and build landscapes from concept through to completion. While studying and getting my new venture off the ground, I spent my weekends working as a ski instructor at a local dry ski slope. What made you decide to establish a distillery? After many years in such a physically demanding industry, my body was telling me it was time for a change, but I wanted to continue to create something unique from scratch that people could enjoy. Since I have always been an experimenter who enjoys exploring different materials, both natural and man-made, I became interested in distilling as a creative, hands-on process. I am particularly fascinated by the way that different botanicals combine and with the endless flavour possibilities.
How did you go about creating your gins? In 2022 I went on a commercial distilling course at Brew School, where Jamie Baxter was the lead tutor. My goal was simple: to create a gin that was smooth on the palate when enjoyed neat. During the course, I tasted many gins neat and found that, although they were excellent, many were too harsh for my palate. I eventually achieved the smooth flavour profile I was aiming for, but then began to worry that perhaps it wasn't a good gin because it lacked that harshness I had come to expect. To find out, I enlisted the help of a number of tasters, some of whom were from the village where I live. After many months of sampling, valuable constructive feedback, and plenty of happy volunteers, I developed four London Dry gins, two of which are now in production. What is the meaning and story behind the Silhouette Stills brand name? Our story began with a cherished family memory: three impromptu silhouettes of our three boys, hand-cut by a street artist during a family holiday. What started as a simple keepsake represents the very heart of our family business, and has inspired our name and the distinctive design of our label. Can you tell us more about your distillery and your still? Our distillery is based in a working farm in Capel, Surrey. It is a modest 6m x 9m space, designed with practicality in mind where every inch has been carefully planned to create an efficient, functional working distillery. At its heart is the 200-litre DES Diamond copper pot still. It is gas-fired and chosen because it gives me complete control over every distillation. The traditional copper pot still allows me to produce batches with exceptional attention to detail, while the gas fired system provides the responsiveness we need to make precise adjustments throughout the run. For me, it's the perfect balance of traditional craftsmanship and hands-on control, helping me create spirits with character, consistency, and depth of flavour.
Can you tell us more about your distillation process and recipes? For each recipe, the botanicals are left to infuse overnight in our natural grain spirit and water, allowing their flavours and aromas to be gently extracted before distillation. I believe patience at this stage creates greater depth and balance in the finished gin. For our No. 1 London Dry Gin, I use two different varieties of dates to add subtle complexity and a gentle natural sweetness that complements the classic botanical profile. To avoid overwhelming the spirit with a long list of ingredients, we focus on selecting a small number of carefully chosen botanicals that work together in perfect harmony, allowing each one to play its part. What is your ambition for Silhouette Stills in the years to come? Over the coming years, I aim to expand our range of spirits and further establish Silhouette Stills as an innovative, quality craft distillery not only in Surrey but further afield. As a small family-run business, we want to maintain our personal, hands-on, experimental approach as we develop distinctive new products for people to enjoy.  How did it feel to be named 'New Distillery of the 2026' in The Gin Guide Awards and what impact has this had?
Having just received the amazing news that both our Silhouette Stills gins had won awards, to then be named “New Distillery of the Year 2026” in The Gin Guide Awards was an absolutely brilliant additional surprise. To be appreciated and recognised by such a respected organisation at this early stage in our distillery venture is an honour as well as being a big confidence booster and a great encouragement. From a business point of view, the award has given the distillery an endorsement that makes it stand out in a very competitive climate, which has already attracted more attention and brought in new customers. It also gives customers confidence in you and your products which is so important as a new distillery. The impact of the award goes further than just the distillery though. People who have supported us – family, friends, customers, testers, the local community – have been sharing in the excitement. It’s great to spread a bit of joy! So, to everyone who has supported us, a massive thank you! What are your favourite ways to drink your gins? I have two favourite ways of enjoying my gins. Firstly the classic combination of plenty of ice, a good tonic, and a slice of lemon because it allows the character of the spirit and botanicals to shine through. Then, when I’m in the mood for something a little more fruit-forward, I reach for our No. 2 London Dry Gin and serve it with lemonade and a fresh strawberry slice as it creates a lighter, more indulgent drink that gives the feeling of enjoying a fruit-flavoured gin while still allowing the handcrafted spirit at its heart to come through. What's next for you and Silhouette Stills - any exciting plans? We have some exciting things in the pipeline. I currently have two more London Dry Gins that have been carefully developed, tested, and are ready to move into production, so I’m looking forward to sharing them. I’m also experimenting with something a little different — using our own gins and my contemporary take on Moonshine to create a blended spirit. We have already produced two versions: an original and a spiced variety. The inspiration behind these products is to create something similar to, but distinct from, a traditional summer fruit cup. You Might Also Like...
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