CARDRONA DISTILLERY

Sometimes a personal crisis can lead to wonderful things. That was certainly the case for Desiree Reid – after a relationship break up, a lot of soul searching led her to brainstorm ideas for her future. Spirit alcohol made the list, a seed of an idea that was planted back when she was 21, running an upmarket pub in London. After taking some courses, the idea took hold and she spent the next two and a half years researching and learning the art and science of distillation, from some of the world’s most renowned master distillers. She then tenaciously set about making her dream come to fruition – selling her farm and finding a site for the distillery at Cardrona (her parents are also 50 per cent owners in the venture) and sourcing the very best equipment. Serendipity then placed Ash Whitaker in her path – the pair met and were married four days before the construction of the distillery was due to start. Ash eventually sold his contracting business and put all he had into the distillery, on the condition that they would make gin. A wise decision given their The Source Gin won gold at the 2016 New York World Wine and Spirits Competition, one of the most prestigious in the world. All their spirits are made from scratch in the Cardrona Valley and discerning drinkers can choose from their single malt The Reid vodka – “it tastes like no other on the market,” says Desiree – The Source Gin, including a Barrel Aged version, and their Rose Rabbit cherry and orange liqueurs. cardronadistillery.com