A COUNTY Durham distillery which relaunched its signature gin at the height of lockdown is raising a glass to a year of determined success.

Scott Wilson-Laing, Founder and Managing Director at WL Distillery said: “As with many businesses the start of the pandemic made 2020 a challenging year, with a refocus in business strategy and the subsequent relaunch we’ve benefited from an upward trajectory.

"As we moved into 2021 we were delighted that our 1st Edition Gin was awarded a trio of leading industry awards in such a short period of time. Alongside, securing our first pop-up retail premises at the STACK Newcastle. 2021 has been a great growth journey for the company, albeit on a slightly different path than we had initially planned.

Read more: Father and daughter launch gin distillery 

We’ve also recently managed to increase our presence in a number of bars across the region including the STACK Seaburn and this is an area we are looking to focus on as we enter 2022.”

Scott spent his summers in his grandad’s garden, which inspired the use of botanicals in the gin team are committed to combining their passion for gin, which is crafted in the North East from start to finish the gins are expertly monitored and created, by hand in the distillery.

Hot on the heels of the announcement that the distillery had won Silver at the prestigious 2021 London Spirits Competition, the distillery was also awarded Gold at The Gin Masters, alongside Design Bronze at The World Gin Awards.

Although 2021 remained uncertain, the team continued to innovate and the range grew in 2021 to include the limited edition festive and Valentine ranges alongside Wilson’s Gin Club ‘Watermelon and Liquorice’, increasing the range to six flavours.

Scott added: “We gave our signature bottles a festive makeover, whilst supporting Grace House, a charity that we’ve worked closely with over the years.

"As we hit 2022, there may still be uncertainty in the air, but we have some exciting developments on the horizon, so I look forward to sharing these in the coming months.”

 

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