What is the genesis for getting into the distillery business? I have been involved in the food industry for 20-years. When my kids were young, we had a jam factory and now the kids are adults, and we have a gin factory. Besides my background, I could see that there was going to be an increased demand for Irish premium gin. At the same time, I also then came up with the concept of a gin school. It was almost a natural progression in my career. How did you fund the launch of Listoke Distillery? Initially we had investors that have since been bought out, so now we own the business ourselves. We also received great support from our local enterprise office through funding of equipment and set up. What has been the biggest challenge you have faced as a small company on your journey so far? Recovering from our management buyout in 2020 has been a big challenge along with dealing with COVID and decreased sales as a result of it. How long after Listoke Distillery was established did you decide to open the doors to the Gin School? We opened the gin school alongside the launch of our Listoke 1777 gin – one needed the other to work. We have been running our gin schools from the onset every week except for the 20-month closure due to COVID. Who is your target market for the Gin School? Our target market is anyone who loves gin or wants to try something a bit different. We also host a number of celebrations such as hen parties, birthdays and reunions, it is also a great teambuilding event for companies. We do corporate events during the year as well as open tours with international visitors. You pair your gins with local products from the Boyne Valley. How do you collaborate with small businesses from the area? We work hard to include as many small businesses in our day to day work. Our perfect mixer with all of our spirits are made by Poachers Premium Drinks. We also use local meats, cheeses and relishes to serve visitors to our Gin School as well as supporting local bars, restaurants and hotels with events and referrals for our customers. How has COVID-19 impacted your business and what do you think will be the long-lasting effects for Irish business and consumption trends worldwide? COVID-19 meant our Gin School was closed for 16-months. Our spirit sales fell massively as exports shut down and the bar trade was closed in Ireland. We were very lucky that we decided to start producing hand sanitizer. It was never part of the plan, but looking back the sales from that was what kept our bills paid and our doors open. You have a subscription service ‘First Sip Society’ can you tell us a little more about this? The First Sip Society is one of our favourite parts of our business! We create a brand new, exclusive gin every single month for our members and it gets shipped right to their door alongside the perfect mixer and garnish as well as a special gift from another Irish company, which could be something from the food industry, or a Galway crystal glass, handmade candle, etc. As more and more consumers turn to online shopping do you see this as an opportunity for your business to grow both nationally and internationally? Our business turned to ecommerce to get our hand sanitizer shipped around the country as demand was so high. At the same time, we launched our spirits and hampers online and we have found it is an incredible way to get straight to the consumer. We also ship directly all over Europe. In terms of the on trade, we have developed a one-of-a-kind trade portal on our website where a bar, restaurant or hotel can order directly from us and we deliver it to their place of business. This removes the need for a distribution partner and reduces the price for the HORECA establishment. As a family business how to you find juggling the work life balance? What advice would you offer readers trying to setting up a business? We definitely have to stop ourselves from talking about work at the dinner table some nights, but overall, we love working together. We have found that we make a great team in the distillery and there is a great atmosphere in the work place as we all get along so well. If someone was thinking of starting up a family business with a family member we would say make sure you know them inside and out first of all! If you can get over little hiccups quite easily and respect each other’s opinion then go for it! The same advice goes for anyone thinking of starting a business with any business partner. Ensure you trust them completely and they you. And then don’t look back! What are your ambitions for Listoke Distillery and Gin School over the next few years? We are in the process of launching our Wise Owl Whiskey to complement our Listoke 1777 Gin in the US. At the same time our Whiskey has launched in China and all of our products are setting sail for Canada and Singapore this year. As well as distribution across Europe we are keeping busy and continuing to strive for more! How have the WTC Dublin helped you achieve your exporting ambitions so far? The WTC Dublin have been instrumental in our amazing achievements in China. With introductions, advice and constant consultation we have managed to make incredible connections across South East Asia and the US also. We will forever be grateful to Maureen and all of the team at WTC Dublin.