Tell us a little about your background and journey into distilling

My sister had been toying with the idea of starting a 'craft' distillery after seeing the success of another local gin distillery startup, Unfortunately, I got diagnosed with a very rare cancer six years ago and had to give up my old job as a gamekeeper and that's when my sister presented me with a small alembic still and said: "come up with a new gin"! I have three gins, two rums and a vodka so far and contemplating branching into whisky! It's been a steep learning curve, but by God, it's been interesting so far.

Image Source: Ice and Fire Distillery

Your current role and what does your day look like?

Oh wow, how to answer this one......?

Because I still work on the family croft (like a very small farm), I could be doing anything from working with the sheep and cows, fencing, tractor work etc etc etc, and distillery work is everything from running the stills, labelling, bottling and helping build our new 'touristy' distillery and visitor centre. It's always a bit of a juggle fitting in all the different jobs that need to be done!

What inspired you to become a distiller?

Some people aspire to be distillers, however, for me, it happened as a result of ill health. There are those that say it came naturally to me as I am good at knowing what ingredients go well together after taking on the role of Mary Berry at home for my two sons. I enjoyed working with the various local botanicals from the croft such as purple Heather, gorse, and salmon berries and having our own bee hive. 

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

Having a good nose and palette when making cuts are probably the most important skills for a distiller. 

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

Explaining the process to the customer at events and markets, and meeting the distiller is quite special for customers. I can go into detail and tell them the whole process and answer any queries they have.

Define a good distiller

Understanding how ingredients work together and knowing when to make those all-important heads and tails cuts, depending on what kind of still you use.

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

Making the gin or rum is the easiest part of the job for me. As a small family business and running a croft, it is finding the time to fill the bottles, label, sterilise etc in amongst calving, lambing and other crofting duties. 

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

Many people taut themselves as being a craft distillery and sometimes they are being economical with the truth whereas we are truly a craft distillery. We are involved in every aspect of the process until it hits the shop shelf. We infuse local and unique botanicals where possible. From the purple Heather in our Crofters Tears gin to the salmon Berries in our Caithness gin, as well the beautiful gorse flowers in our Raiders Rum.

Image Source: Ice and Fire Distillery

What are the current challenges the spirits industry is facing according to you?

The Proposed ban on any alcohol marketing, which includes merchandise. The Scot Gov's deposit bottle return scheme that is being developed could make the distillery unviable to keep going, with all the extra costs.

What skill or topic you are learning currently and why?

We are building our own visitor centre, which is a self-build. As a result, I have learnt how to do stone masonry with the help of a local stone mason, which is a traditional craft. I have also learnt various other construction skills and I am learning how to do cocktails for events etc. 

What is your idea of a good life?

That's a tricky one to answer.......

I don't aspire for much in life myself. As long as my bairns are content I'm happy. It rarely happens often these days, but I do enjoy a ceilidh with my friends. Good company, good music and a good drama. What more could anyone ask for......

Which is your go-to drink and what is the perfect setting you enjoy it in?

With liver cancer, I'm not supposed to drink at all, but hey, life is short enough as it is, so I say a little of what you fancy will do you good!

I usually have one of my rums just because it's handy, but for a treat, I find a good malt whisky is hard to beat. There are so many good ones to list, but Dalmore or Highland Park are pretty special.

Your favourite 2-3 distilling or spirits books?

I did the vast majority of my distilling research online, but one book I found invaluable was 'Field to Flask' by Malcolm Bucholtz.

Header Image: Iain Black; Source: Ice and Fire Distillery