Joanne Moore, the Master Distiller at Warrington’s G & J Distillers and the creative mind behind Quintessential Brands’ premium gin portfolio, is a true guardian of the craft. With the first London Dry Gin recipe, Greenall’s Original, under her care, and a string of successful gin brands like BLOOM Gin, Opihr Spiced Gin, Thomas Dakin Small Batch Gin, and Berkeley Square Gin to her name, Joanne has solidified her place as a master in the industry.
As one of the first female Gin Master Distillers globally and only the seventh at G&J Distillers since its establishment in 1761, Joanne’s reputation precedes her. Renowned for her expertise and dedication to her craft, she has led the company to numerous awards, including the prestigious International Spirits Challenge Gin Producer of the Year title five times since 2014.
In an exclusive interview, Joanne opens up about her work, experiences, and personal preferences in the world of food and drink.
### Crafting Excellence: A Day in the Life of Joanne Moore
Joanne’s work as a Master Distiller is as diverse as it is exciting. Whether she’s experimenting with new botanicals in the NPD Lab or researching trends and ingredients for future innovations, each day presents a unique challenge. Additionally, Joanne plays a vital role in brand training for customers, distribution partners, and internal teams on Quintessential’s premium gin brands, including Greenall’s Gin, BLOOM, Thomas Dakin, and Opihr.
### Breaking Barriers: Joanne Moore’s Journey as a Female Distiller
Reflecting on her journey, Joanne shares that the industry chose her, rather than the other way around. Her talent for crafting exquisite gins emerged during her tenure as a quality manager, leading her to embrace the world of botanicals and flavors. When the opportunity to become the 7th Master Distiller at G&J Distillers arose in 2007, Joanne seized it with both hands, marking a pivotal moment in her career.
### Embracing Challenges: Joanne Moore’s Perspective on Gender in the Workplace
While gender dynamics in a predominantly male field could have posed challenges, Joanne’s focus has always been on creating exceptional products. Her ability to develop a diverse and versatile gin portfolio, featuring brands like BLOOM, Opihr, Berkeley Square, and Thomas Dakin, speaks volumes about her determination and skill.
### From G&T to Innovation: Joanne Moore’s Culinary Inspirations
Joanne’s journey in the world of flavors began with classic cocktails like the Gin and Tonic and the Snowball. These early experiences taught her the importance of balancing ingredients to create a harmonious final product, a principle she upholds in her distilling endeavors today.
### The Essence of Joanne Moore: Personal Tastes and Guilty Pleasures
With a penchant for chocolate and a love for herbs and spices, Joanne’s favorite ingredients reflect her creative palate. When it comes to snacks, popcorn is her go-to indulgence, offering a choice between sweet and savory flavors to suit her mood.
### Looking Ahead: Joanne Moore’s Vision and Aspirations
As she continues to craft new products and explore different drink categories, Joanne remains committed to her passion for innovation. With an eye on the future, she envisions leveraging her skills to create unique and inspiring beverages for consumers worldwide.
From her favorite cocktail, the Opihr Paloma, to her memorable dining experiences, Joanne Moore’s journey as a Master Distiller is a testament to her dedication and artistry in the world of spirits.
This article offers a glimpse into the extraordinary career of Joanne Moore, a trailblazer in the distilling industry. As she continues to push boundaries and create exceptional spirits, her legacy as a Master Distiller shines brightly in the world of gin.