Cornwall


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/09/John-Hall-Trevethan-Distillery-2023-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-210510_SchoffelCornwall2-33974-1000x667.jpg" alt="John Hall Trevethan Distillery Cornwall stood in a field" class="wp-image-31855" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/09/John-Hall-Trevethan-Distillery-2023-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-210510_SchoffelCornwall2-33974-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/09/John-Hall-Trevethan-Distillery-2023-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-210510_SchoffelCornwall2-33974-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/09/John-Hall-Trevethan-Distillery-2023-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-210510_SchoffelCornwall2-33974-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/09/John-Hall-Trevethan-Distillery-2023-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-210510_SchoffelCornwall2-33974-788x525.jpg 788w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/09/John-Hall-Trevethan-Distillery-2023-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-210510_SchoffelCornwall2-33974.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-your-first-job-in-the-drinks-biz">Your first job in the drinks biz?</h2>



<p>Back in my uni days, a friend ran a bar in Plymouth, so when I returned from Swansea University where I was studying chemistry, I would work there during the summer holidays. I must say though, it was more about earning cash than working in the drinks business back then but certainly gave me some useful insights into bar operation which has since come in handy. Other than that, I didn’t work into the drinks business until I became a distiller.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Career highlight?</h2>



<p>It must be winning the IWSC ‘UK Gin Producer in 2021’ (for <a href="https://www.trevethandistillery.com/shop/trevethan-gin" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trevethan&#8217;s Cornish Dry Gin</a>, pictured below). I genuinely didn’t expect it; we had submitted our individual gins to the awards and I’m not even sure I knew the best of the best would go onto this overarching producer of the year category.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/07/Trevethan_original-WEB-e1690285198408-1000x667.jpg" alt="Trevethan Gin with glass" class="wp-image-31353" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/07/Trevethan_original-WEB-e1690285198408-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/07/Trevethan_original-WEB-e1690285198408-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/07/Trevethan_original-WEB-e1690285198408-768x513.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/07/Trevethan_original-WEB-e1690285198408-787x525.jpg 787w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/07/Trevethan_original-WEB-e1690285198408.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Initially I thought wow, that’s fantastic to even be nominated, but looking at the bigger distilleries that we were up against I didn’t expect to win. As the weeks went on, I naturally became desperate to win and when we did, well let’s just say there was a lot of celebrating with the team to be done! I was so proud of our achievement.</p>



<p>The IWSC awards are one of few genuine awards where your gin is blind tasted by independent and experienced judges and not based on marketing spend like so many other spirits awards!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sum up your drink’s philosophy?</h2>



<p>For me it’s about sensory experiences. I don’t drink to get drunk; I drink for the full experience, to enjoy the company I’m with and to appreciate and enjoy the liquid I am drinking. Good company, good liquid, in the perfect glass.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="2249" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/09/John-Hall-Trevethan-Distillery-2023-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-210510_SchoffelCornwall2-33346.jpg" alt="John Hall Trevethan Distillery Cornwall drinking from a glass" class="wp-image-31852" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/09/John-Hall-Trevethan-Distillery-2023-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-210510_SchoffelCornwall2-33346.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/09/John-Hall-Trevethan-Distillery-2023-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-210510_SchoffelCornwall2-33346-534x800.jpg 534w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/09/John-Hall-Trevethan-Distillery-2023-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-210510_SchoffelCornwall2-33346-667x1000.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/09/John-Hall-Trevethan-Distillery-2023-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-210510_SchoffelCornwall2-33346-768x1151.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/09/John-Hall-Trevethan-Distillery-2023-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-210510_SchoffelCornwall2-33346-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/09/John-Hall-Trevethan-Distillery-2023-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-210510_SchoffelCornwall2-33346-1366x2048.jpg 1366w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/09/John-Hall-Trevethan-Distillery-2023-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-210510_SchoffelCornwall2-33346-350x525.jpg 350w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Most memorable moment at work?</h2>



<p>That would be the day I got the keys for our very first distillery. I unlocked the door and walked in, feeling a sense of excitement and nervousness in equal measures. It was an old carpenter’s workshop and was covered in sawdust. I spent the day alone just sweeping and cleaning the place ready for the still to arrive the next week. They say a still should be named after an important woman in your life, so I named ours Doris after my grandmother. When Doris arrived the following week, she immediately lit up the room the workshop was no more, it was now a proper distillery.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">It’s a lock in, which famous names are you propping up the bar with?</h2>



<p>I love music and the person I idolised when I first started playing the guitar was B.B. King. He had an interesting life, struggling as a black musician in turbulent America in the 30’s, 40’s and 50s but ended up having an amazing career.</p>



<p>As a Wolves fan there would have to be a Footballer in the mix too and that would be Steve Bull, Wolve’s greatest striker during the late 80s / early 90s. Like my dad he was born in Wolverhampton. I think he would certainly colour up the place!</p>



<p>Robin Williams would be next. Enjoying lots of his films led me to his stand up. An incredibly intelligent guy with a range of acting ability that was completely underrated.</p>



<p>And last Dave Chapelle, I think he’s the funniest man alive and would be great entertainment!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What’s your celebration tipple?</h2>



<p>A 21 year old Balvenie or a 30 year old Benromach, that’s special to me as my sisters bought me a bottle for my 30th birthday.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Best bar you’ve ever visited?</h2>



<p>The Lounge in Plymouth.</p>



<p>I first experienced the lounge as a teenager. It was our local and everyone from my gran, mum and dad had been a regular there. When I walk in, everyone knows me and says hello. It’s positioned where I’ve grown up, a place of familiarity and a sense of nostalgia. Somewhere you feel at ease, just being yourself, enjoying quality time with people you care about.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What’s on your boozy bucket list?</h2>



<p>I went to New York a few years ago and when I returned home, I realised I hadn’t experienced it the way I wanted to. I wanted to experience more of the speakeasy and underground bars, and the back street spirits scene off the tourist track. So, I would like to go back and cross that off my bucket list!</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/09/new-york-bar-kevin-snow-ypUnhVq42xc-unsplash-1000x667.jpeg" alt="new york bar bottles on a glass bar" class="wp-image-31860" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/09/new-york-bar-kevin-snow-ypUnhVq42xc-unsplash-1000x667.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/09/new-york-bar-kevin-snow-ypUnhVq42xc-unsplash-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/09/new-york-bar-kevin-snow-ypUnhVq42xc-unsplash-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/09/new-york-bar-kevin-snow-ypUnhVq42xc-unsplash-788x525.jpeg 788w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/09/new-york-bar-kevin-snow-ypUnhVq42xc-unsplash.jpeg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What drink deserves more appreciation?</h2>



<p>Most would expect me to say whisky, but it is gin. There’s an auto appreciation for whisky, for example the older the more complex. I don’t think people take the time to appreciate what has gone into creating a gin, they add some tonic and citrus fruit but don’t always take time to appreciate distillers work, the skill that goes into balancing the proportions of botanicals and flavour.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="2000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/09/John-Hall-Trevethan-Distillery-2023-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-John-Hall-Mini-Still.jpg" alt="John Hall Trevethan Distillery Cornwall with a still" class="wp-image-31858" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/09/John-Hall-Trevethan-Distillery-2023-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-John-Hall-Mini-Still.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/09/John-Hall-Trevethan-Distillery-2023-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-John-Hall-Mini-Still-600x800.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/09/John-Hall-Trevethan-Distillery-2023-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-John-Hall-Mini-Still-750x1000.jpg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/09/John-Hall-Trevethan-Distillery-2023-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-John-Hall-Mini-Still-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/09/John-Hall-Trevethan-Distillery-2023-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-John-Hall-Mini-Still-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/09/John-Hall-Trevethan-Distillery-2023-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-John-Hall-Mini-Still-394x525.jpg 394w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Most overrated drink, and the better alternative?</h2>



<p>Non-alcoholic spirits. Although the market is screaming out for these products (and I’m being asked to make one all the time) I really am struggling to get my head around it. If you want a non-alcoholic alternative to a G&amp;T, why not get a premium tonic, a lovely fresh garnish, in a beautiful glass with plenty of ice, and if you still need more flavour, use a dash of natural cordial. You can still create the theatre and enjoy the experience. I’m not ruling out making one, but at Trevethan we would never create something that doesn’t stay true to our company’s core values, craftsmanship, innovation, and excellence.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What country do you want to explore just for the drinks?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/09/John-Hall-Trevethan-Distillery-2023-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-John-Hall-Iceland-1000x750.jpg" alt="John Hall Trevethan Distillery Cornwall in snow" class="wp-image-31857" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/09/John-Hall-Trevethan-Distillery-2023-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-John-Hall-Iceland-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/09/John-Hall-Trevethan-Distillery-2023-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-John-Hall-Iceland-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/09/John-Hall-Trevethan-Distillery-2023-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-John-Hall-Iceland-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/09/John-Hall-Trevethan-Distillery-2023-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-John-Hall-Iceland-700x525.jpg 700w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/09/John-Hall-Trevethan-Distillery-2023-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-John-Hall-Iceland.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>I love to travel and have recently spent two weeks exploring Iceland, pictured above. However, Japan without a doubt would be my next stop just for the drinks experience. I take a very similar approach to food and drink as them. Their philosophy of ‘ikigai’ creates balance in life. And when they create food or drink, they use flavours which balance rather than overpower, flavours which enhance each other. They approach drink in the same way – for example with whisky they have developed their own adaptations to create perfectly balanced spirits. I really do hope to visit in the next couple of years.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Favourite holiday drink?</h2>



<p>Nothing beats a cold beer! Whether you’ve just got off the plane or relaxing in the sun, a nice cold beer hits the spot. But for me it must be an IPA, and it must be from a bottle not a can.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Favourite bar gadget?</h2>



<p>The favourite thing on my home bar is my Waterford crystal decanter and glasses. I am always championing that drinking should be an experience as a whole and part of that experience is also drinking from a nice glass.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Favourite ingredient?</h2>



<p>Of course, it must be a spirit of some variety! I do think Sherry is a must have ingredient in your kitchen and there’s nothing better than adding a splash to a hot pan to loosen the flavours…. Or in chef terms deglaze!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Your one cocktail tip?</h2>



<p>Being a chemist, I needed to test different methods of pouring the perfect G&amp;T and let’s just say I have tried, tested, and proven that pouring your gin directly over ice is sacrilege! The cold ice can shock the balance of water, alcohol, and botanical oil resulting in the taste changing. We recommend you add your ice then your mixer and garnish and pour in the gin last. This way the gin is gently cooled at a slower rate keeping the balance of flavour. In fact, it works for all spirits, not just gin! Remember… Ice. Mixer. Spirit. Repeat!</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/09/John-Hall-Trevethan-Distillery-2023-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-210510_SchoffelCornwall2-33716-1000x667.jpg" alt="John Hall Trevethan Distillery Cornwall with a gin still" class="wp-image-31854" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/09/John-Hall-Trevethan-Distillery-2023-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-210510_SchoffelCornwall2-33716-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/09/John-Hall-Trevethan-Distillery-2023-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-210510_SchoffelCornwall2-33716-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/09/John-Hall-Trevethan-Distillery-2023-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-210510_SchoffelCornwall2-33716-768x513.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/09/John-Hall-Trevethan-Distillery-2023-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-210510_SchoffelCornwall2-33716-787x525.jpg 787w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/09/John-Hall-Trevethan-Distillery-2023-Muddy-Stilettos-Cornwall-210510_SchoffelCornwall2-33716.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Best hangover cure?</h2>



<p>Alka-Seltzer. Something my friends and I would always drink after a night out in our uni days – it seemed to work for me, so I stuck with it!</p>



<p><a href="https://www.trevethandistillery.com/"><em>trevethandistillery.com</em></a></p>


Drinks on me: John Hall, Trevethan Distillery

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