New Moon gin bringing the Spirit of Otter to the world of craft distillery

For Otter Brewery founders, David and Mary Ann McCaig, retirement meant an opportunity to embark upon a new, exciting business venture.

It seems only natural that the innovative pair of fine-taste enthusiasts would branch out into the ever expanding world of craft distillery.

Nub News met with the couple at their home - a beautiful farm conversion nestled in the heart of the Blackdown Hills - to find out more about setting up Otter Distillery and the first phase of production, New Moon gin.

Sitting outside, overlooking the lush, green valley I asked what inspired them to start crafting gin.

David said: "It all began with a little pot still we got from Portugal and experimenting with our own recipes. There are about 400 different ingredients associated with gin, so it's really rather exciting. We both love throwing in different things and fiddling with the taste.

"We ran about 14 or 15 distillations, trying out a variety of different flavour combinations before we got the result we were after - which is fairly traditional with a long taste.

New Moon gin contains a unique combination of 12 botanicals; including coconut, ginger, grapefruit and seaweed.

"We wanted to create something that was easy drinking and palatable and that's the feedback we've been getting from the gin critics – that it makes for a really refreshing, traditional tasting gin.

Mary Ann explains the change of heart, which offset the cost of setting up Otter Distillery: "Before we retired from the brewery, David always dreamed of owning a Morgan [motor car] and we did get one, however the Morgan's now gone to Germany, which was what financed the distillery."

Having officially launched at the Exeter Festival of Southwest Food & Drink earlier this month, both David and Mary Ann are extremely happy with how it has been received.

"I think the quality of the ingredients and the processes we use really shine through and people like that."

If you wish to purchase a bottle, or to find out more about New Moon gin, email [email protected].