JERSEY’S FIRST FEMALE DISTILLER

MEET SARAH, JERSEY’S FIRST FEMALE DISTILLER

It has been a dream for over a decade, and long before Gin became popular to have my own distillery. 12 years, 2 children, a divorce, and 3 house moves later and I finally decided to take the leap and launch Sea Level Eco Distillery. A finance director by day and distiller by night. Swapping spreadsheet for Stills and budgets for Botanicals.

Having a distillery at the bottom of my garden, nestled under a large cherry tree, I set about combining my love of horticulture, gin and coastal living. My distillery is tiny and we only make approximately 35 bottles at a time. Each bottle is hand poured into recycled glass bottles.

Based in the heart of Gorey Village, just a few moments walk from the beach, I wanted to create a gin that reflected our Island. Wherever possible we use ingredients grown in Jersey alongside growing our own ingredients. We peel and dry our citrus fruit ourselves, and also grow lemons and limes in the garden. Our sandy soils are great for growing corriander and fennel seeds.

GIVING BACK & SUPPORTING THE COMMUNITY

It is so important to me that from day one we did every process as sustainably as possible. Historically, distilling used to be a very wasteful industry, but by thinking outside the box it is possible to create an amazing gin that is also kind to our planet.

1% of our sales are given to sea-based charities in Jersey and the UK. We Currently support Healing Waves in Jersey. Healing Waves enable individuals, despite their condition and/or disability (both neurological and physical) to access the ocean in a safe way to participate in water sport activities.

The other charity we support is the Blue Marine Foundation, which is dedicated to restoring the oceans health. A recent project in Jersey included establishing Jersey’s first marine park. A charity dedicated to restoring the ocean to health by addressing overfishing.