We came to the conclusion that with Jonathan’s experience in the brewing industry and Chris’s experience in chemical engineering, we could take over the world, or at least make a fine Gin that we would love to drink on well, every occasion. We pooled our savings and bought a tiny 1 litre still and started developing flavours on Chris’s kitchen table. After some questionable but still drinkable beg
innings, we discovered a particularly delicious flavour combination of 3 peels, Grapefruit, Orange and Lime which feature in all our Gins and give a familiar feeling across the range. We were eventually evicted from the kitchen and set up in ‘The Old Piggery’ a 17th Century two story Barn where we scaled up our operation in “Cockles” our Copper Pot Still. THE FLAVOURS
We did not want just another nice generic Gin, we wanted something different, something that represented our passion for the spirit and most important of all, a memorable drink, for the right reasons of course. SIGNATURE GIN
We feel we have perfected our “Signature” gin which is distilled in a two stage process with the 3 Peels in the vapour path of “Cockles” and the botanicals; Juniper Berries, Coriander Seeds, Orris Root, Angelica, Rowan Berries, Grains of Paradise, Cardamom and Liquorice Root in the boiler. There is one secret botanical that adds a certain character and is unusual to find in a Gin and it is picked by hand from the shores and inlets of our wonderful British coastline. On tasting with your favourite tonic and a slice of lime, it is the Berries you taste first, and they are not subtle, they are big, bold and in your face. As the Juniper and Rowan Berries calm, the freshness of the fruit peel appears on the tip of your tongue, then finally the storm rises, and the spices warm your palette as the liquorice finish takes over. MANGO & LIME
We were keen to develop something new and original, but it had to be both delicious (of course) and compliment the Storm Bay range. After too many failed attempts we had a “lightbulb” moment and developed “Mango & Lime”. It is different, but it’s also familiar, 11 botanicals are distilled in cockles including both fresh and dried mangos and fresh limes macerated for 48 hours before distillation. A delightful tropical feel is achieved with a strong aroma of mangos that will transport you to your favourite beach (not literally). Juniper berries are still present, after all this is a gin, but if you fancy something a little different then this is for you. VALENCIA ORANGE
During our path to developing our signature gin we experimented with many different combinations of fresh fruit peels in the vapour path of “cockles” our still. These included lemon, lime, pink grapefruit, tangerine and of course orange. But it was by pure luck that by forgetting to add the grapefruit, we would stumble across our “Valencia Orange” gin. On tasting we couldn’t understand how such a refreshing and delicious drink could be made using only fresh oranges as the fruit element. Our zingy Valencia Orange gin is so moreish, so tasty that one is never enough. As you would expect, in addition to the zing of the oranges, juniper berries are present but also just a hint of spice, try it and see if you can work out which spices we have added. BAY DISTILLERIES
OUR LOCATION
We are both so incredibly lucky to live in an amazing location, we are based in the Morecambe Bay area with the Lake District 20 minutes north and the Morecambe seaside 20 minutes south. Morecambe Bay estuary covers a huge area, over 120 square miles of mudflats and sands from Sunderland Point, which is cut off from civilisation twice daily, all the way around the bay to Barrow-in-Furness. We are inspired daily by the area, its wildlife; birds, butterflies, shrimps & shellfish, its fauna, shipwrecks, quicksands, views and raw majestic power of nature. Bright sunny days are wonderful and so enjoyable, but it is the inclement weather, the storms that are truly inspiring. Take a careful walk along the beaches and feel the spray, the wind, the freshness, and the freedom of the Stormy Bay. We hope you enjoy Stormy Bay as much as we do. Chris and Jonathan
