ABOUT:

What was the inspiration behind starting your distillery?

I was inspired by my Italian family heritage.

We produce hand crafted spirits and liquor using fresh seasonal produce that is intended to be lovingly shared between family and friends. 

What was your career and interests until the point of deciding to start a spirits business or work for one?

My career started many years ago working as mixologist.

I have always been fascinated by the production of spirits; I think its wonderful to create something special using the ingredients nature has to offer.

As a mixologist, it was not easy to find natural products made in a genuine way; most large corporations are only focused on making profit and do not give much regard to the quality of their products and ingredients used. This prompted me to start Old Poison Distillery, whereby I am able to engender close relationships with my customers, share my experience and openly discuss my products in my distillery.

I believe the aspect of human connection is very important for both me and my customers.

What are your views on the future of the spirits industry and it's current state?

I hope that the leading companies of the spirits industry introduce education and training programmes to improve quality and standards.

I also hope that there will be more transparency between these companies and the customers. I also think the reduction of sugar should be a real focus, particularly in the UK.

What plans does the distillery have for the future?

The plan for our distillery will be to become 100% environmentally sustainable; I have been working hard on this and I believe we are almost there. 

What do you find the most challenging in your day to day role?

I am my biggest critic and aim for perfection at all times, this can be tiresome, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

What are your views on sustainability?

I am very invested in creating a sustainable business. I think using local produce and recyclable materials should be sought after and we should all aim to reduce our energy consumption.   

Is there a spirit or variation, not in your portfolio, that you are really keen to create and why?

Scotch whisky, I’m so fascinated about the process, it’s just magic.
One day…

What is your favourite part of your job?

I love all aspects of my job 

If you could have any celebrity as an apprentice, who would it be and why?

As an Italian I would choose Gino d Acampo. I love his character and the way he expresses himself; he has a brilliant sense of humour and a laugh is good for the heart and soul.

What would your spirit animal be and why?

A wolf; an incredible, intelligent creature that lives by instinct and loves freedom.

If you have a time machine, would you travel to the future or back to the past. And why?

I would go to the past, to the day before I had Covid… and lock myself away from everybody.

I’m still having some issues from it now, a year later.

How would you weigh an elephant without a weighing scale?

The sophisticated answer would be to put an elephant on a boat and mark the water level etc.

But luckily I have no interest in knowing how much an elephant weighs.

........ and finally

What would your first steps be in a zombie apocalypse?

Stock up my bunker with pasta, Italian sauce and of course Old Poison