SPIRIT OF THE WILD WEST

Nicki and Joe Woolley are co-owners of the award-winning Elemental Cornish Gin, which they produce from the bottom of their garden in the Cornish countryside

Describe an ordinary working day. Nicki:

The distillery is a little building/big shed at the bottom of the garden. We are a family team, and a day can consist of anything from hand-peeling oranges and lemons for distilling to delivering orders and manning the stall at the local farmers’ market. It’s a team effort here — what with me being a mum to a toddler (with another one on the way) and Joe still working his ‘day job’. Think lots of latenight bottling and labelling!

What makes Elemental Cornish Gin unique? Joe:

Set up back in 2013, Elemental was one of the first gins in over 300 years to be exclusively distilled and bottled in Cornwall. It’s a classic, premium gin that pays tribute to the elements, Cornwall and our traditional methods of distillation. We craft each bottle by hand right here in our family-run distillery. Transforming organic grain alcohol and locally sourced Cornish spring water into Elemental Cornish Gin takes time and precision. By using traditional methods and making small batches, we ensure only the smoothest heart of the distillate makes it into our gin. Apart from the addition of locally sourced Cornish spring water, what comes out of the still is exactly the same as what goes into the bottle.

What do you love most about living in Cornwall? Nicki:

From the wild north Cornish coast to the rugged hills of the moors, we love where we live. We’re an outdoors family, and there aren’t many places in the world you can go to the beach for a surf before breakfast or collect your daughter from day care and head down to the beach in time for dinner and the sunset. We feel really lucky to be able to call it home and are proud to be part of the brilliant and diverse community of craft producers and small independent businesses down here.

How important is sustainable and local sourcing? Joe:

We want to make gin in a way that’s as respectful to the environment as it can be. From biodegradable seals to planting trees, we’re on a mission to reduce any negative impact that we have on our world. We’re looking deep into every area of production and distribution so that we can make better, more sustainable choices. We also want to make a positive impact on the people around us — from the people who make it to the people who drink it. We have a great team here at Elemental HQ and work with some absolutely awesome local partners and suppliers, and we always try to keep it Cornish wherever possible.

How do you like to drink Elemental Cornish Gin? Nicki:

Classic G&T all the way, garnished with orange peel or maybe a sprig of lemon thyme.

Joe: Honestly? I prefer whisky. [Nicki kicks Joe under the table] OK! OK! Neat or with a Sea Buck Tonic.