Meet the Maker - Lauren

by Charlie Leckie June 8, 2021

Meet Lauren

With a background in hospitality and a passion for Gin, we think Lauren will fit in very well at the 1881 Distillery, she is our new trainee distiller and has answered a couple of questions for you to get to know her.

What did you do before joining the 1881 distillery?

Before I worked at 1881 I was working in restaurants and bars as a manager. I had finished my degree a few years before, but I really missed learning and using my science background. So, I decided to make a change, and now I get the best of both worlds! I now get the chance to learn a new skill, do practical classes with our guests, and be part of a great team.

What's the 1881 distillery like to work in?

It’s great watching the botanicals go from part of our environment to the heart of our gins. Finding out how they react with each other and produce such depth of flavour is fascinating and the creative process behind each gin is quite intricate. I love watching the base ingredients turn in to such a lovely product (with the help of Felicity of course)! One of my favourite parts of this job is working in the Gin School and teaching our guests about the botanicals, and how to match botanical flavours to create a lovely spirit!

What can people expect and experience if they visit the 1881 distillery gin school?

Lots of chat, a friendly atmosphere and the chance to try some lovely gins! Both Dean and I could talk your ears off about all the gins we have, and all your favourites.

What have been the biggest challenges/achievements, or your favourite story so far?

The biggest challenge for me so far has been learning how to operate Felicity. She’s a fantastic still, so I want to do everything right, and make sure she’s looked after.

How would you describe the gins in 3 words?

I think the 1881 gins are best described as classic, inviting and versatile.

What's your favourite way to drink your gin/s?

I have to say, I’m not a big fan of tonic. I would quite happily sit with our Rafters Gin over ice, but I love to have a gin with lemonade and a big slice of pink grapefruit. Or mixed into cocktails like a Bramble or Tom Collins. For me, our Pavilion Gin served ice cold with lemonade is Summer in a glass. I can imagine sitting out in the sun by the tennis courts enjoying several!

What s on your gin shelf at the moment? (other than your own of course!)

Is it controversial if I say I always have some Gordon’s in the cupboard? In case of a gin emergency? But seriously though, I like to have Harris Gin in there (it tastes even better if you go all the way there to get a bottle I think!) I also have a bottle of Porter’s Tropical Old Tom that I am really enjoying at the moment. I always try to stock up my cupboard whenever I'm visiting different places.

What's next / any exciting plans?

I’m really looking forward to being part of the Seasonal/Summer release, and learning about recipe creation and development. I’m just about to start my Distilling qualification, so that’s a massive thing for me right now! I’m looking forward to supporting Dean with all of my new-found knowledge.

Want to meet Lauren? Click Here to find out about our Gin Distiller Experiences.