This month Donna Ahern talks to Robert Barrett, founder and head distiller, Rebel City Distillery
Rebel City Distillery, the first new distillery in Cork city in almost fifty years, has launched its first release, Maharani Gin.
Founded by Robert Barrett in 2020, Rebel City Distillery is situated in the heart of Cork’s historic Docklands, and is planning to produce a range of premium spirits which draw inspiration from around the world.
Maharani Gin celebrates a fusion of Cork and Keralan cultures, from where Robert and his wife Bhagya respectively come from.
How would you describe your role?
I am head distiller at Rebel City Distillery which I founded with my wife Bhagya.
As we are a small company, my role has many different functions.
Primarily as head distiller, I am responsible for creating our unique line of spirits, but I also take care of the production, administration and sales functions.
What was your first job, and what did you learn from it?
Washing cars – and it gave me a foundation in time-keeping and the sense of personal responsibility that is required for any role!
Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
I would hope that Rebel City Distillery will have a well-regarded spirits line as a follow-on from our first release, Maharani gin, and that the distillery will be a worthy addition to the vibrant business and cultural landscape of Cork.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I really enjoy the variety of work that has been involved in setting up and running my own distillery.
My background is in the production and quality control side of brewing and distilling.
However, running a small company involves a lot more.
I am always concocting new spirits while running a business, which includes doing the accounts, managing the website, developing a customer base, and making sure that regulations are met.
It can be tiring at times but I really enjoy every single day.
What is your advice to people starting out in the industry?
I would recommend talking to people already working in the craft drinks industry as everyone is very open and willing to help each other out, certainly on the production side of the business.
What was your worst job, and what was so bad about it?
I once had a role in document control.
The worst part of the job was the document control! What three business people do you most admire, and why? First, Mikkel Borg Bjergso, founder of Danish microbrewery, Mikkeller – I love what he has done with Mikkeller, his products and his bar/restaurants.
Then Ratan Tata, Indian industrialist, philanthropist, and a former chairman of Tata Son – a good example of a large business that is run well and treats its employees with respect and fairness.
Finally, my father Brendan Barrett, former managing director of BAM contractors – for his clarity of thought and problem solving abilities.
What do you think the government could do to help business in the current climate?
In general, I think more joined up thinking from the authorities, with clear lines of authority and clear guidelines on what to do when you start/run a business, is needed.
It is very challenging for start-ups to navigate the differing regulations and the various authorities that need to be satisfied. In the current environment, the government needs to consider long-term supports, especially for the hospitality sector, to help businesses deal with reduced capacity.
What advertising campaign have you most enjoyed in recent months?
Kerrygold’s latest campaign, which a nice homage to their classic ads of the past If you could bring back one product that is no longer available in Ireland, what would it be? Apple Jacks Who would come to your ideal dinner party (living or dead)? Michael Collins.
Having read Paths to Freedom, and his collated letters and speeches, it’s clear to me that Ireland would have become a liberal Republic much more quickly and sensitively had he not died so young.
What is the best advice you’ve been given?
Always make a list. Having tasks set out on paper so you can check them off is a good way to keep focused and to minimise stress and worry.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I like reading, currently it’s At Swim-TwoBirds by Flann O’Brien, going for a walk, discovering a new café, bar or restaurant, or returning to a favourite like Soma Café, Cask Bar and Goldie restaurant, which are all in Cork!
Goldie is quite new to the city and is a great addition from the Market Lane Group.
How much time do you spend on social media in an average week?
I try to spend as little time as I can on social media! As we recently launched our distillery it has meant more time online, but it has been great to see the reaction we have got so far. Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn? LinkedIn - it is useful for networking.
With which fictional character do you most identify?
Bureaucratic hurdles can sometimes make me feel like Josef K of Franz Kafka’s The Trial!
Most likely to say?
Have you heard about our new gin?
© 2020 Checkout – your source for the latest Irish retail news. Article by Donna Ahern. Click sign-up to subscribe to Checkout.
