Business networking members are raising a toast to licensed distiller Tony Hobbs.
Less than four years since foundation, BNI Staffordshire member Tranquil Still® has won recognition in the World Drink Awards and business owner Tony says he owes a huge debt to BNI.
“Attending a BNI Britannia meeting in Stoke-on-Trent really did change my life,” said Tony of Market Drayton.
“I attended meetings as a Utility Warehouse distributor but was looking for a different challenge. A visitor to the chapter had a company which sold stills and I found that fascinating and decided to investigate how to produce spirits.”
Tony meticulously researched his subject and set about distilling alcohol – producing gin for family and friends – in 2019.
He’s now making some of the finest gin, vodka and rum on the English market and has scooped major medals in the World Gin and World Vodka Awards.
A determination to learn all the skills of a master distiller and attention to detail have been the key to Tony’s success.
Tony is one of only a few in the trade to make his own base spirit and builds on that by combining the finest botanicals to create the highest quality spirits.
“In keeping with our name, it’s a calm, considered and even tranquil process,” said Tony. “I only make 50 bottles a week, concentrating on excellence in each.”
“l control the making of my base alcohol, putting together a bespoke recipe with a friend who has a small brewery. I’m told there’s only about 10 craft distilleries in the country who do that, as the norm is to buy in an entirely neutral grain spirit. The rest is down to patience, creating a balanced palate of botanicals to ensure subtle flavouring and fabulous smoothness. The World Drinks Awards judges commented favourably on the impact of our base spirit within our drinks.
“I began selling small batches to people I know and it became clear that we had a great product. I set up a panel, blind testing spirits, including mine, and we were getting fabulous feedback and so the business took off.”
“I only entered the World Drink Awards as a great way of getting independent feedback from top professionals so we could improve further, and to my amazement, the judges loved Tranquil Still.”
Tranquil Still Vodka scooped a Silver Award and their ‘Round the Garden’ Gin brought home a Bronze Award.
“The chair of judges told me my vodka was exceptional and unique – I was amazed,” said Tony.
Tranquil Still has now grown from supplying friends and family to high quality bars and fine dining restaurants. An increasing number of people are purchasing through their website shop at www.tranquilstill.co.uk. And thanks to support from the England European Regional Development Fund Tranquil Still is now also able to develop bespoke gins for interested business customers.
Tony said: “I couldn’t have done this without the support of my business networking colleagues at BNI. The encouragement and business advice I have received there has been a key to getting a foothold in the market.”
“A special mention must go to Tableau Reproduction who designed the branding and produced the labels for Tranquil Still. I was thrilled with the artistic quality of their work, incorporating a wind-blown damson tree in my garden into the logo to create something completely unique.”
Tranquil Still has a growing following among British BNI members who both buy bottles and recommend the company to fine dining restaurants and bars looking for bespoke, high-quality vodka, gin and rum.
Tony Altham, Executive Director of BNI Staffordshire, said: “It’s been a real pleasure to witness Tranquil Still’s growth and to support Tony.
“In turn, he’s taken on leadership roles within the Britannia chapter and this also contributes further to growing a company owner’s reputation.
“Above all, you always need a great product and Tranquil Still’s spirits are sensational.”
Together with ‘Round The Garden’ Gin and Tranquil Still Vodka, the Tranquil Still range also includes a navy strength, lightly spiced white rum and two fruit gins, blueberry and damson.
Tony has also branched out with a novelty brand, Tipple Time®, producing blue bubblegum and seaside rock gins – providing the same high-quality spirits but with quirky flavourings.
For further information on Tranquil Still, please go online to www.tranquilstill.co.uk.
