Essex Spirits Co-founder Zane Chiswell-Rivas talks about local spirits, sustainability and supplying the Victoria Inn’s first summer cocktail menu in this Friends of the Victoria Inn interview.
At the Victoria Inn, we work with some brilliant people who help make the pub what it is – from suppliers and musicians through to the organisers behind our regular events. In this regular Friends of the Victoria Inn interview series, we catch up with the people behind the scenes.
This time we’re talking to Zane Chiswell-Rivas, founder of Essex Spirits Co. What started in his grandmother’s garage during lockdown has grown into Chelmsford’s first commercial distillery, producing spirits, liqueurs and cocktails using local ingredients and sustainable methods.
For anyone who hasn’t come across Essex Spirits Co. before, tell us a bit about the business and how it all started.
I’ve worked in the hospitality and drinks industry for my entire career – almost 20 years now – and I’ve always had a love for cocktails and great spirits.
After working in bars across Essex, Cambridge and London, I moved back to Essex and found myself with a lot of spare time during the first lockdown. I absolutely hated Zoom quizzes, so I decided to set myself a challenge instead – could I get my grandmother’s garage licensed as a distillery?
As it turns out, you can.
You started the company during lockdown in your grandmother’s garage. What made you think, “Let’s start a distillery”?
It was mainly my love of cocktails and spirits.
Over the years, I’ve tried just about every type of spirit and spent plenty of time in some fantastic cocktail bars. I felt there was room locally for a distillery that operated more like a craft brewery and was run by someone genuinely passionate about spirits and cocktails, rather than by a large company.
Everything we make is guided by three key values: local, quality, and sustainable.
The Victoria Inn now stocks Essex Spirits products and is serving your cocktails for the first time this summer. What do you enjoy about working with independent pubs like the Vic?
Independent pubs and venues aren’t just our main customer base – they’re also a British institution and an important part of our culture.
Without them, we’d risk becoming a nation of chain pubs all serving the same brands in the same surroundings.
To me, the Victoria Inn is a great example of an independent pub at its best. It’s all about community, great experiences and great hospitality.
Sustainability and local ingredients are a big part of what you do. Why is that so important to the business?
I’ve got three young children, and I genuinely believe every business should try to leave as little impact on the planet as possible.
When I started the company, I did some research and discovered that some of the biggest drinks producers in Europe are also among the biggest polluters.
I don’t believe it has to be that way. By showcasing the best local ingredients and making sustainable choices wherever we can, we hope to leave things in a better state than we found them.
If somebody is trying Essex Spirits for the first time, what would you pour them and why?
A lovely, chilled Gin-o-Cello is probably the way forward.
It’s a gin-based limoncello made to an authentic Sicilian recipe and sweetened with honey from local beekeepers.
It’s a great way to break the ice.
You’ve got gins, vodkas, rums, liqueurs and cocktails. Is there one product you’re particularly proud of?
I always say that choosing a favourite product is like asking someone to pick their favourite child.
Everyone has one, but you’ll never admit it.
And finally… if you could create a spirit inspired by Essex, what would be in it and what would you call it?
Grafter’s Gin! Haha.
I love this county, and I’m incredibly proud of Essex, which is one of the reasons I started the company.
We get a few stereotypes thrown our way, but when you look around, there are amazing food and drink producers here. People in Essex generally have a great work ethic, an entrepreneurial spirit and a good sense of humour.
If only we could distil all of that into a bottle!
The Victoria Inn is serving Essex Spirits Co cocktails for the first time this summer, alongside a range of spirits produced at the Chelmsford distillery.
Next time you’re here, why not give one a try?
See you at the bar.
