London Spirits Competition got in touch with distiller Gary Ford, who left his I.T. career of 20 years to follow his calling for distillation and fermentation. Now, he runs the Forged Spirits distillery which produces a diverse range of vodkas, rums and gins. 

Tell us a little about your background and journey into distilling

Being a distiller or having a career in distilling wasn't something that I always dreamed of at least. Like any ordinary guy, I had a job in IT and did my fair share of service for the country by serving in the British Army as well. It was only ten years or so ago that I was introduced to the art and science of fermentation and distillation and I fell in love with it. This newfound passion then led me to found Forged Spirits where I also fill in the role of distiller. But my work at Forged Spirits isn’t well defined. Depending on the day sometimes you’ll find me fermenting rum and on other days I’ll be occupied distilling gin. It all depends on what the current demand looks like. 

Image Title and Credits: Forged Spirits Founder and Distiller Gary Ford

Also read: Gin Trends for Bartenders in 2024-25: Insights from the 2024 London Spirits Competition

What inspired you to become a distiller?

Distillation has a rich history dating back centuries. When you combine that legacy with the different types of equipment and the technical aspects, it becomes more inspiring. That is what drove me to this business. Moreover, I love science and recipe development and being a distiller allows me to use both of my passions. 

Take us through your process of blending.

My “triple cask aged” rum expression is initially transferred into an ex-Wild Turkey bourbon cask and left to age for a while. It is then transferred into two other sherry casks which have a significant impact on the flavour profile. I always take notes when trying different combinations and keep a record of the three very unique liquids and assess the final product for the desired flavour profile. It’s just part of my process.

Image Title and Credits: Gary Ford at Forged Spirits Distillery Unit

What are some of the most important skills for a distiller?

Consistency is crucial. Your products need to be the same every time. And of course patience. It can take a long time to get a protocol right. Looking back, it took me 18 months to get my vodka protocol dialled in. So a good distiller definitely needs to be patient with the process. It is also important for a distiller to be dependable and methodical. Possessing these skills definitely goes a long way for a distiller.

Also read: Luca Cicalese On How Winning at the London Spirits Competition Helps Your Spirits Brand

What is the hardest part of a distiller's job?

Speaking for myself, as someone who had worked an I.T. desk job for years, I have never had sales experience. And my lack of knowledge in this space has certainly been challenging through the years. However, as I am keen on growing my business to new heights, I am currently developing my marketing and sales skills.

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How do you think a distiller can help in driving marketing and sales personally?

When a distiller works with stills and fermentation daily, they become accustomed to it. However, for many others, the science behind distillation and fermentation can be intriguing so catering to those interests and revealing the behind-the-scenes can spark interest in the process and drive sales and marketing. In fact, that is why we have our distillery tours where I take the attendees on a journey around the distillery and show them how our gins, vodkas and rums are made.

Image Title and Credits: Cocktail made with Forged Spirits Pink Grapefruit Gin

What's your elevator pitch to a bartender when pitching your brand

I lead on flavour, my spirits when mixed or in a cocktail will elevate your drink to new heights. In fact, my go-to cocktail is a bramble made with Forged Spirits’ The Original Gin and a quality blackberry liqueur. We offer other variations of gins, such as Passion Fruit Gin, Lemon Sherbet Gin, Spiced Orange Gin and more.

Header image sourced from Forged Spirits

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