Two former members of the award-winning Nelson’s Distillery team have launched their own micro-distillery.
David and Sue Hunter worked with Neil Harrison, the founder of Nelson’s, for eight years before his sudden death last April. The company went into administration and was put up for sale but ceased trading after finding to secure a buyer.
The couple hadn’t planned to launch their own business, but were encouraged to after friends tried their first product, Botanical Vodka.
They have pumped £15,000 into setting up Chuckle Engine Spirit Company, based in Abbots Bromley, and have been selling at local makers markets and online.
The pair say their new business is both a tribute to their mentor and a reflection of their own creative ambitions.
“We owe a great deal to Neil,” David said. “His knowledge, encouragement, and attention to detail helped define who we are as distillers today. Chuckle Engine Spirit Company is, in many ways, a continuation of the standards he set, combined with our own vision for the future.”
The businesses will focus on producing small-batch handcrafted spirits, combining traditional techniques with modern creativity.
Current products are the Botanical Vodka, which is infused with ripe mango and baobab and has a lively ginger twist, Caribbean-inspired Rogues Rum and a refreshing and zesty gin.
- Chuckle Engine Spirit Company will be popping up at Trentham Makers Market on Saturday, 11 April.
