We put a call-out to the women in Australian distilling to give us an insight into who they are, and why they chose this industry, here’s some of their responses!
LAURETH RUMBLE
Co-Owner and Founder of Reef Distillers, QLD
HOW MANY YEARS HAVE YOU BEEN IN THE INDUSTRY?
Less than 1 year
WHAT SPARKED YOUR INTEREST IN THE INDUSTRY?
"We have been involved in the hospitality industry for quite a few decades and it has been a dream of ours to venture into the distilling industry. We joined forces with our friends who have been in the industry for nearly a decade to start up a new distillery on the QLD coast, inspired by the Great Barrier Reef."
YOUR MOST PROUD MOMENTS IN THE INDUSTRY?
"Working with local producers and farmers to source sustainable, pesticide free and organic produce for our spirits. Being inspired by the landscape and environment we live and work in makes us so proud of what we have created."
WHAT HAVE YOU FOUND TO BE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES IN THE INDUSTRY?
"The regulation in terms of a start up and the endless paperwork can easily put you off."
WHAT WOULD YOU TELL SOMEONE THAT KNOWS NOTHING ABOUT AUSSIE CRAFT SPIRITS?
"Australia's immense and varied landscape and environment lends itself to exciting flavour profiles and innovation. There is so much to explore and experiment with in terms of the native flora."
WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT YOU WOULD WANT TO TELL YOUR YOUNGER SELF?
"'Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet.' —Jean-Jacques Rousseau."
WHAT IS YOUR PARTY TRICK?
"My special talent is bringing people together in collaborations to create extraordinary experiences and products. I am a very visual and aesthetic person and bringing beauty into the world in whatever form that may take is something I am passionate about.
I also love making cocktails, so that would be my party trick!"
WHO HAS INSPIRED YOU THE MOST IN YOUR CAREER SO FAR?
"My mother Martina is one of my great sources of inspiration. She was a force to be reckoned with. Strong, feisty and hard working. Yet at the same time so filled with love, passion and endurance. She would always find a solution to any problem she faced. We have also named our 200 litre copper still in her honour. She passed away from a brain tumour in April 2021. The photo of me is standing next to our still "Martina"."
ANYTHING ELSE THAT YOU WANT US TO KNOW?
"We are so passionate about sustainable business and local procurement that this is the cornerstone of our business. We love supporting local farmers, suppliers and trades. We use the highest quality organic and pesticide free produce and botanicals we can find. We support conservation, recycling and reducing waste as much as possible. Our background in ecotourism and being the first solar powered island on the Great Barrier Reef and beyond carbon neutral will form a strong base for our distilling business and future endeavors."
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