There’s ongoing controversy regarding brand owners verses distillers. Sadly some (not all) distillers seem to think that if you own a brand but don’t physically distill yourself then your product is somehow less significant. 

Being a brand owner of a small batch craft spirits business (but not physically distilling myself), I’d like to point out the following;

• Starting a new business for anyone, especially out of a pandemic is a massive step for anyone and is not a decision taken on a whim.

• A huge financial investment is needed. There’s definitely more inexpensive industries to invest in if you’re after a quick buck.

• I play to my strengths; I’m not a chemist but have a background in PR, marketing and events. It’s MY brand and MY ideas.

• I thoroughly researched whom I wanted to work with and distill my EXCLUSIVE blends. Yes, they’re MY blends.

• My business is a passion project; I’m really passionate about making it the best it can be and have invested in training, including recently gaining a distinction in my WSET Level 2, not because I needed it to sell gin, but because I’m genuinely interested.

So before anyone criticises brands, why not look at the bigger picture and see that most of us are just trying to do the best we can and play to our individual strengths. 

Be kind. Always.  

KOH xxx