Our origins story is one of long summer evenings and a journey down memory lane to the end of the garden. More specifically, to Grandad's shed, almost half a century ago. An Aladdin's cave of old car parts, tools and forgotten trinkets, this mysterious shed was at the pinnacle of one small boy's curiosity. Neil had often wondered as to the extent of what lay behind the rust and wriggly tin, hidden away in the orchard. After weeks of pestering, pleading and inquisitive questioning, Grandad Willy finally opened the door to show Neil what was hidden in the depths of this treasure trove. There at the back, in the collection of buckets, jars and steel containers, was a sizable quantity of beer, cider and gin. Grandad Willy had been utilising the bounty of the local countryside, nearby farms and his own orchard for many years to bring these drinks close to perfection.

Forty-five years later, during one long summer of evening Gin and Tonics in the garden as the sun slowly set, Neil’s mind was cast way back to that old wriggly tin shed. He tried to remember the botanicals and ingredients that Grandad Willy had utilised so successfully in what became a quest to recreate the family recipe. With some experimentation, refining and a dash of nostalgia, a rich, smooth flavour began to emerge. Plenty of friends and family were generous enough to taste test and one chance remark planted the seed that this could lead to something more. Several bottles later, Northumberland Spirit Company was born, quite aptly in a garden shed. At its heart: the masterpiece of Alnwick Gin.