real life business stories – Page 2 – Hebridean Spirits & Liqueurs

Arran Whisky Tasting Set now available via Amazon

Since last year, we have been supplying a Regions of Scotland Whisky Tasting Set. This has proved to be popular that in May last year we introduced another one based on Malts from the Island of Arran in the Firth of Clyde. All the malts have a nice West Coast feel to them and each one is different.

The set includes 30ml bottles of the following Arran Distillery whiskies;

10 year old
14 year old
Port cask finish
Amarone cask finish
Sauternes cask finish

Each Set comes in a Presentation Box with Tasting Notes cards for each whisky and a Tasting Mat so that you and your friends can take part in your own Tasting Session. You even get a card with instructions on how to taste and drink whisky.

It is a really novel gift and a must for anyone who enjoys the many Scottish islands on the West Coast.

From where we are based in Helensburgh, you can see the mountains on Arran easily from the tops of the hills in Glen Fruin behind the town. Last year when we had a late snow fall, Arran looked like it was in the Alps – amazing.

On Amazon, just key in ‘Arran Whisky Tasting Set’ and that should take you to a page where you can buy it from us.

Ancient Mariner Navy Rum

Ancient Mariner Navy Rum

54% Alcohol by Volume – 108% Proof

Rare Aged Navy Rum to celebrate The Diamond Jubilee and still in production due to high demand

It was in 1970 that the last Royal Navy Rum Ration was issued. In 2011, to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee, a proposal was presented to create a Navy Rum that was as close as possible to the flavour and smoothness of the original.

To get the project going, a sample of the original Navy Rum was sourced. This was then matched with a selection of the finest, rare and exclusive single distillery rums from the Caribbean, until eventually one was found that faithfully replicated the aroma and taste of the original.

The rum used arrives in wooden casks from the Caroni Distillery on the island of Trinidad. Aged for 15 years, the dark, richly coloured rum is bottled at 54% Alcohol by Volume, straight from the cask. This means that you are getting the rum exactly as it is stored in wood at the distillery in the Caribbean.

The inspiration for the Ancient Mariner brand came from an unusual source – a Church roof repair fundraising event. It was a ‘Recitation by Heart’ of the famous poem, The Ancient Mariner. The venue: St. Michael and All Angels church in Helensburgh – a fabulous listed building – with a leaky roof.

The event took place one wild and stormy autumn evening. The lights inside the church were dimmed and the blackness of the nave was punctuated by candles. I can hardly imagine a more atmospheric situation for this literary experience as the rain beat on the roof. The recitation had the right balance of rhythm and pace to make the poem seem as if it has just been written.

The label and neck tag show scenes from the poem. The front label shows the ship in ice-bound Antarctica. The left side shows the ship tossed about on the Southern ocean and the right hand side features the lonely, wandering albatross as it is about to be struck by the fateful arrow shot by The Ancient Mariner.

Inspired by the Coleridge’s masterpiece, Ancient Mariner Navy Rum recalls one of the most memorable poems in the English language. From the terrifying space of the open ocean, the storms and whirlpools of an unknown sea, the vast icy caverns of Antarctica and to the hot equatorial seas swarming with monsters, all these visual elements combined with the magnificent engravings of Gustave Dore, have made a lasting impression with mariners throughout the world both at publication in 1798 to this very day. The haunting story of the Ancient Mariner who shoots the Albatross, bird of good omen, still resonates with thoughts of good and bad luck with sailors everywhere.

What are the best shows near you? Win a £10 Waitrose voucher.

We’re always looking for top notch events to attend throughout the UK. One of the best ways we find out about good shows is from customers at shows we already go to.

You may know of an event that is just up our street-well organised and attended by the public, not too expensive for us to take a Trade Stand and good value for the public coming along. The best ones are those where the typical person coming to the event has a reason to be there-a local social event, special interest group or brilliant location. Sometimes all these are combined in an event. This means that it can be staged during the week rather than the weekend, as the organisers know that they will get a good turnout no matter what.

If you have an event in mind that you think would suit us, please call (01436-679935) or send details to me, Roy Lewis at;

roylewis@hebridean-liqueurs.co.uk

If we end up attending the event you inform us of, and it is one we do not already go to or do not do for other reasons, I will send you a £10 Waitrose Voucher.

To give you an idea of the types of event that we go to, here is a list of some of them;

Food and Drink Fairs
Festivals of any type
County Shows
Country Shows
Sheep Dog trials
Game Fairs
Flower and Garden Show
Cheese Shows
Village Shows-end of summer
Gala Days
Horse Shows
Farmers Market
European Market
Tall Ships Race shows
Vintage Car Rally
Steam Rally
Air Show
Carfest
Traditional Boat Show
Canal Boat Show
Caravan and Camping Show
Boat Show-Yacht or Motor
Ideal homes Show
Slow Food Show
Sailing regatta
RNLI
McMillan Cancer Research
CLIC Sergeant Fundraising event
Hospice Fundraising event
Hearing Dogs for the Deaf
National Trust events
Stately Home events
Forces Events-Meet the Navy etc.
Local Authority Family Days
Christmas Lights On events
Christmas Festivals
Craft fairs
School Christmas events
University RAG weeks

John & Pam Clark-North & West Yorkshire-forthcoming events

John & Pam Clark forthcoming shows plus list of all UK Show Distributors with contact details

John and Pam Clark have been trading as our first Show Distributor for 20 years now – quite an achievement too. The area they look after is North & West Yorkshire.

Here are some of their shows coming up – several they have been attending for many years and look forward to seeing their regular customers;

Burley in Wharfedale Summer Festival 23/08/2015
Nidderdale Show at Pateley Bridge 21/09/2015
Leukaemia and Lymphoma Shopping Extravaganza, Market Rasen 20/21 October 2015
Ripon Cathedral Charity Fair 21 November, 2015
Dickensian Fair at Grassington 12 December, 2015
Winter Wonderland at Tennants, Leyburn 18,19 December, 2015

Contact John & Pam if you would like them to bring a particular brand along to a show for you to buy. Their contact details are;

John & Pam Clark
Telephone: 01756 720635
E-mail address: jdclark13@sky.com
Area: North Yorkshire and West Yorkshire

Also below is a list of our other Show Distributors contact details;

Godfrey Harvey
Telephone: 01295 660414
Area: Warwickshire, Northamptonshire & Oxfordshire
Douglas Hill
Telephone: 01273 465120
E-mail: dah@andersonhill.co.uk
Area: West Sussex, Hampshire, South London
Paul and Sue Bowers
Telephone: 02392 589918
Paul Bowers
E-mail Address: paulbowers@lineone.net
Area: Hampshire & West Sussex
Brian Gleeson
Telephone: 01287 634856
E-mail Address: b.gleeson@ntlworld.com
Area: Cleveland, County Durham, Tyne & Wear
Ian and Denise Tapscott
Telephone: 01458 250564
Email: et@tapscott.co.uk
Area: Somerset, Bristol, Bath & Avon, Gloucestershire
Cliff West
Telephone: 01566 778939
Area: Cornwall, Devon & Dorset
Bill Smith
Telephone: 07772 521265
E-mail Address: smith@wandfire.com
Area: Surrey & East Sussex
Iain Taylor
Telephone: 07983 168131
Area: East Anglia – Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire
Derek Lambourne
Telephone: 01455 290978
Area: Leicestershire, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire
John & Margaret Fullalove
Telephone: 01524 418383
E-mail Address: thehebrideanexperience@live.co.uk
Area: Lancashire & Cumbria
John Wilde
Telephone: 07958 129190
Email: jono_o_wilde@yahoo.co.uk
Area: Lincolnshire, Rutland, Bedfordshire
Hugh Jenkins
Telephone: 01737 832880
Email: topdrinkskent@gmail.com
Area: Kent

SCOTLAND

Anne Connor
Telephone: 01505 502504
E-mail Address: info@anneconnorpromotions.com
Area – Renfrewshire, Lanarkshire & Aberdeen
Jamie Stevenson
Telephone: 01875 852819
E-mail Address: stevenson999@btinternet.com
Area – East Lothian, Scottish Borders, Central Scotland

101 Gins To Try Before You Die – Ancient Mariner Gin featured

New gin book out soon – Ancient Mariner Gin featured

Last year I was approached by Ian Buxton, Author of 101 Whiskies To Try Before You Die, in order to include our Ancient Mariner London Dry Gin in his new book as noted above. I was delightd when he contacted me to confirm that Mariner Gin was indeed to be featured – a real treat and from looking at his other books, he does an excellent job.

Latest news on the book, published by Birlinn from Edinburgh, is that the first print run has already sold out and it is not even in bookshops yet – now that is something.

The book should be available at the end of August – the launch date is Thursday the 27th in Edinburgh, right at the end of the Edinburgh Festival – good timing I think.

Will write another blog when the book is out and the reviews are in. You can order it on Amazon and they will send it to you when their stock arrives.

Here are the tasting notes for the gin;

Traditional Premium London Cut Dry Gin, made in small batches in London with 100% British grain. Best served with peppery rocket lettuce, complimenting the natural juniper flavour of this 50% ABV gin.

Below is the story of how it all came about;

The inspiration for Ancient Mariner Gin came from an unusual source. A Church roof repair fundraising event. It was a ‘Recitation by Heart’ of the famous poem, The Ancient Mariner.

The venue: St. Michael and All Angels church in Helensburgh – a fabulous listed building – with a leaky roof.

The event took place one wild and stormy autumn evening. The lights inside the church were dimmed and the blackness of the nave was punctuated by candles. I can hardly imagine a more atmospheric situation for this literary experience as the rain beat on the roof. The recitation had the right balance of rhythm and pace to make the poem seem as if it has just been written.

What an evening!

The next day during an afternoon walk along the seafront in Helensburgh, the stormy waves echoed those of the poem the night before. As I was buffeted along the walkway, I mused on the possibility of creating a new brand.

Ancient Mariner Gin is the result.

Choosing the right gin was an adventure in itself – over 25 versions were tried before I found on that was made with 100% British grain, was made in London and had a smoothness married to a lovely Juniper aroma.

The label and neck tag show scenes from the poem. The front label shows the ship in ice-bound Antarctica. The left side shows the ship tossed about on the Southern ocean and the right hand side features the lonely, wandering albatross as it is about to be struck by the fateful arrow shot by The Ancient Mariner.

The neck-tag copy is as follows:

Inspired by the Coleridge’s masterpiece, Ancient Mariner Gin recalls one of the most memorable poems in the English language. From the terrifying space of the open ocean, the storms and whirlpools of an unknown sea, the vast icy caverns of Antarctica and to the hot equatorial seas swarming with monsters, all these visual elements combined with the magnificent engravings of Gustave Dore, have made a lasting impression with mariners throughout the world both at publication in 1798 to this very day. The haunting story of the Ancient Mariner who shoots the Albatross, bird of good omen, still resonates with thoughts of good and bad luck with sailors everywhere.

Show Distributors-New territories available for 2015…

Show Distributors Wanted-New territories available

Most of our Show Distributors Earn between £5,000 and £10,000 per year by selling our range of Spirits & Liqueurs at consumer shows. To achieve this level of income most of our Show Distributors will work on average, two days per month.

New territories now available for Show Distributors are:

Wiltshire and Berkshire
Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire
Essex
Hereford & Worcester and Birmingham
Cheshire, Shropshire and Manchester
North Wales
SouthWales
Northumberland & Scottish Borders
Perthshire, Tayside, Central Scotland

London is an open area – any Distributor can book and attend shows as the area is so big and the number of events so many.

Business Summary

Hebridean Spirits & Liqueurs sell direct to the public at consumer shows all around Great Britain, via Show Distributors.

View our brands on our Website:

www.hebridean-liqueurs.co.uk

The benefits of owning and running one of our Show Distributor businesses are:

Ø Pre-start meeting to discuss Show plans and experience the brands

Ø Steady, regular income from selling direct to consumers

Ø In business for yourself, but not by yourself – we help you to get started and there is no pressure on you to sell more or do extra events

Ø Designated area with full training package

Ø Free Distributor Training Day including Accommodation, Dinner, Breakfast and refreshments – meet other Distributors and exchange sales ideas

Ø Good margins – tasting stock supplied free so your markup is protected

Ø No purchase or ongoing fees – all you pay for is the stock

Ø Additional profitable mail order and Internet business

Ø Money back guarantee on unsold stock

What else do I need to know about how this all works?

No licence fees or ongoing marketing charges to pay

The Show Distributor signs Licence to sell our Brands in a specified area

All the materials required to sell the Liqueurs at a show are supplied, free of charge:

o Graphics and marketing materials

o Sample glasses and sample bottles of spirits & liqueurs

o Bags for the customers to take their purchases home

o Branded clothing to establish a professional image

The Show Distributor chooses which shows to attend, pays for them and obtains a liquor licence as appropriate. We help with this and it is a straightforward process.

Orders stock from the Hebridean Spirits & Liqueurs to be delivered prior to each show.

Depending on the size and number of shows the Show Distributor is attending, an outlay of £2,000 to £3,000 is required to get started and to keep trading.

All stock is paid for prior to each show and are delivered to you free of charge.

We offer a full sale or return guarantee on all stock.

What type of person is a Show Distributor?

Perhaps between jobs, have some spare time, retired or semi-retired with a desire to do something fun to stay busy and earn some extra income. The difference here is that as a Show Distributor, you have control over when you attend events – no-one else decides when you are to work.

Maybe working full time but looking for extra cash to make ends meet and able to spare one or two days a month at weekends.

Someone who;

would like an independent income
enjoys meeting people at Fetes/Craft Fairs and getting paid for it
owns a business and has time for another business

Occupations of our Show Distributors include Headmaster, Petrol station owner, Salesman, Computer analyst, Policeman, Business owner, Promotional staff company owner, Warehouse Manager, IT Manager, Ex Forces

If you are interested please call 01436-679935 and ask for Roy Lewis, or send an Email to roylewis@hebridean-liqueurs.co.uk

Show Distributors – 9 areas available – see list below…

Looking for active, responsible people to take on Exclusive areas to sell our range of Spirits and Liqueurs, including Single Cask Malt Whiskies that are only sold via our Show Distributor network at events in UK.

Show Distributors Wanted

Most of our Show Distributors Earn £5k to £10k per year by selling at consumer events. To achieve this level of income most of our Show Distributors will work two days per month.

Areas still available are:

London – free area – any Show Distributor can book shows in London as there are so many

Kent

Essex

Hertfordshire

Buckinghamshire

Lincolnshire, Humberside

Cheshire & North Wales

Hereford & Worcester, Mid Wales

Northumberland & Scottish Borders

Perthshire, Tayside, Central Scotland

Business Opportunity Summary

Hebridean Spirits & Liqueurs sell direct to the public at consumer shows via Show Distributors, all round Great Britain.

View our brands on our Website:

www.hebridean-liqueurs.co.uk

The benefits of owning and running one of our Show Distributor businesses are:

Ø Pre-start meeting to discuss Show plans and experience the brands

Ø Steady, regular income from selling direct to consumers

Ø In business for yourself, but not by yourself – we help you to get started

Ø Exclusive area with full training package

Ø Free Distributor Training Day including Accommodation, Dinner, Breakfast and refreshments – meet other Distributors and exchange sales ideas

Ø Good margins – tasting stock supplied free so your markup is protected

Ø No purchase or ongoing fees – all you pay for is the stock

Ø Additional profitable mail order and Internet business

Ø Money back guarantee on unsold stock – you can get your money back

What’s involved? No licence fees or ongoing marketing charges to pay.

The Show Distributor signs Licence to sell our Brands in a specified area.

All the materials required to sell the Liqueurs at a show are supplied, free of charge:

o Graphics and marketing materials

o Sample glasses and sample bottles of all liqueurs

o Bags for the customers to take the liqueurs home in

o Branded clothing to establish a professional image

The Show Distributor chooses which shows to attend and pays for them and obtains a liquor licence as appropriate. We help with this and it is a straightforward process.

Orders stock from the Hebridean Spirits & Liqueurs to be delivered some days prior

to each show.

Depending on the size and number of shows the Show Distributor is attending, an outlay of £2,000 to £3,000 is required to get started and to keep trading.

All liqueurs are paid for prior to each show and are delivered to you free of charge.

We offer a full sale or return guarantee on all stock.

What type of person is a Show Distributor?

Maybe working full time but looking for extra cash to make ends meet and able to spare one or two days a month at weekends.

Someone who is not working and wants independent income or perhaps saving for a new car or holiday.

Somebody who loves meeting people and attending Fetes/Craft Fairs and getting paid for it.

Somebody who owns a business and has time for another business.

If you are interested please call 01436-679935 and ask for Roy Lewis, or send an Email to roylewis@hebridean-liqueurs.co.uk

Show Distributors – still a few areas left…

A few areas still left for new Show Distributors to sell our spirits & liqueurs to consumers at events

Show Distributors Wanted

Most of our Show Distributors Earn £5k to £10k per year by selling at public events. To achieve this level of income most of our Show Distributors will work two days per month.

Areas still available are:

Kent, London

Essex, Hertfordshire, London

Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, London

Lincolnshire, Humberside

Cheshire, Manchester, Liverpool & North Wales

Hereford & Worcester, South Wales

Northumberland & Scottish Borders

Perthshire, Tayside, Central Scotland

Hebridean Spirits & Liqueurs sell direct to the public at consumer shows via Show Distributors, all round Great Britain.

View our brands on our Website: www.hebridean-liqueurs.co.uk

The benefits of owning and running one of our Show Distributor businesses are:

Ø Pre-start meeting to discuss Show plans and experience the brands

Ø Steady, regular income from selling direct to consumers

Ø In business for yourself, but not by yourself – we help you to get started

Ø Exclusive area with full training package carried out at a Show

Ø Free Distributor Training Day including Accommodation, Dinner, Breakfast and refreshments – meet other Distributors and exchange sales ideas

Ø Good margins – tasting stock supplied free so your margin is protected

Ø No purchase or ongoing fees – all you pay for is the stock

Ø Additional profitable mail order business

Ø Money back guarantee on unsold stock – you can get your money back

What’s involved? No licence fees or ongoing marketing charges to pay.

The Show Distributor signs Licence to sell our Brands in a specified area.

All the materials required to sell the Liqueurs at a show are supplied, free of charge:

o Graphics and marketing materials

o Sample glasses and sample bottles of all liqueurs

o Bags for the customers to take the liqueurs home in

o Branded clothing to establish a professional image

The Show Distributor chooses which shows to attend and pays for them and obtains a liquor licence as appropriate. We help with this and it is a straightforward process.

Orders stock from the Hebridean Spirits & Liqueurs to be delivered some days prior

to each show.

Depending on the size and number of shows the Show Distributor is attending, an outlay of £2,000 to £3,000 is required to get started and to keep trading.

All liqueurs are paid for prior to each show and are delivered to you free of charge.

We offer a full sale or return guarantee on all stock.

What type of person is a Show Distributor?

Maybe working full time but looking for extra cash to make ends meet and able to

spare one or two days a month at weekends.

Someone who is not working and wants independent income or perhaps saving for a new car or holiday.

Somebody who loves meeting people and attending Fetes/Craft Fares and getting paid for it.

Somebody who owns a business and has time for another business.

Occupations of our Show Distributors include Headmaster, Petrol station owner, Salesman, Computer analyst, Policeman, Business owner, Promotional staff company owner, Warehouse Manager

Areas still available are:

Kent, London

Essex, Hertfordshire, London

Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, London

Lincolnshire, Humberside

Cheshire, Manchester, Liverpool & North Wales

Hereford & Worcester, South Wales

Northumberland & Scottish Borders

Perthshire, Tayside, Central Scotland

If you are interested please call 01436-679935 and ask for Roy Lewis, or send an Email to roylewis@hebridean-liqueurs.co.uk

New Show Distributor for Lancashire & Cumbria

Show Distributor for Lancashire & Cumbria

John & Margaret Fullalove of Morecambe have joined the Company as distributors for Lancashire and Cumbria. They discovered The Hebridean Liqueur Company whilst visiting with two of their daughters and their families in Gloucester. Together with their children, sons-in-law and grandchildren they visited ‘The Tall Ships’ show at Gloucester Docks. Denise and Ian Tapscott were at the show and they bought a couple of bottles from their stand and enjoyed them so much that when they returned home to Lancashire, they phoned the company and the rest is history

They have just covered the Great Eccleston Agricultural Show which was held on the 13th and 14th July and they thoroughly enjoyed themselves and are now looking forward to their next event, The Garstang Agricultural Show which is to be held on the 3rd August.

To contact John & Margaret about forthcoming events they are attending, call 01524 418383.

New Show Distributor for Derbyshire, Leicestershire & Nottinghamshire

Show Distributor appointed for Derbyshire, Leicestershire & Nottinghamshire – first show this weekend, Derbyshire Food & Drink Show at Elvaston Castle Country Park

Derek and Marion Lambourne have taken on the Show Distributorship for the above 3 counties.

Their first event is this weekend: The Derbyshire Food & Drink Fair, 18th & 19th May at Elvaston Castle Country Park. Located near to Derby and Nottingham, Elvaston encompasses @ 200 acres of open parkland, woodland and formal gardens.

Here’s the link to the website for the weekend:

www.derbyshirefoodfestival.co.uk

Derek and Marion will have the following brands with them:

Hebridean Whisky Liqueur

Lord Nelson’s Spiced Rum Liqueur

The Iron Duke’s Number 1 London Brandy liqueur

Ancient Mariner Gin

The previous Show Distributor who looked after Derbyshire, who retired a couple of years back, was very enthusiastic about this event. Last year I launched the new Ancient Mariner Gin and Navy Rum brands at it. There were a great number of first class stands and superb food and drink, of course. Pop in and say hello if you are going to the event – Derek and Marion would be happy to see you.

Derek answered an advert that I placed in the Sunday Times in January. The areas still available for new Show Distributors are:

Kent

Essex, Hertfordshire

Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire

Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire

Wales

Perthshire, Tayside, Central Scotland

If you would like to know more of what is involved, please call me, Roy Lewis, on 01436-679935