From Passion to Pinnacle: The Self-Taught North Coast Distiller Redefining Gin

A Journey of Passion and Craftsmanship

Simon Hogg, a self-taught distiller from Co Antrim, has carved out a unique path in the world of spirits. His journey began in a converted room of his Portballintrae bungalow, where he launched Dunluce Distillery in 2021. The business specializes in handcrafted gin and liqueurs, with a strong emphasis on quality and distinctive flavor profiles that reflect the brand’s deep connection to the north coast.

Simon's passion for distilling was sparked by his grandfather, a dedicated winemaker. He recalls watching his granda work with large glass carboys in the attic when he was just six years old. That early memory of the bubbling process left a lasting impression, planting the seed for his future career.

This fascination grew further as Simon took on various jobs. His first position at Antrim Hills Spring Water involved mixing ingredients for flavored drinks, which fascinated him. Later, working in hospitality at a Portrush hotel exposed him to different brands and consumer preferences. These experiences helped shape his understanding of what people enjoy and inspired his hobbyist approach to making drinks.

The pandemic provided the perfect opportunity for Simon to turn his passion into a full-time venture. With his property management business slowing down due to reduced travel, he decided to focus on his dream of creating a distillery. "I'm that old cliché of starting a business during lockdown," he jokes. However, this period allowed him to explore his love for gin, particularly its complexity and botanical variety.

After navigating the administrative hurdles and obtaining necessary licenses, Simon began experimenting with flavors. Using juniper, coriander seed, and angelica root as a base, he tested around 25 botanicals before finalizing his first recipe. This led to the creation of The Shore Born, the first gin produced and bottled on the Causeway coast. Named after his children, this gin holds a special place in his heart due to its emotional significance and versatility.

Expanding the Dunluce Distillery portfolio, Simon introduced the La Riva Nata range, which translates to "shore born" in Italian. This collection includes La Riva Nata Limoncello, the first commercial limoncello made in Ireland; La Riva Nata Arancello, a vibrant orange liqueur; and La Riva Nata Caffè, a bold coffee liqueur. Each product reflects his commitment to quality and authenticity.

Simon's attention to detail has not gone unnoticed. His Italian-inspired spirits have earned two stars at the 2024 Great Taste Awards, and his coffee liqueur received a silver medal at Blas na hÉireann (the Irish Food Awards). These accolades are significant milestones for him, as they validate his work through professional tasting.

To make his products more accessible, Simon launched the Dunluce Cooler range—ready-to-drink canned versions of his best-selling spirits. This initiative was inspired by his experience during the alcopop era and aims to introduce his brand to a broader audience. The cans pair limoncello and arancello with sparkling water, while the blackberry gin comes with lemonade and the Shore Born gin with elderflower tonic, supplied by Troughton’s in Co Armagh.

The response from the local community has been overwhelmingly positive. Simon is grateful for the support and enjoys seeing people enjoy his products. The cans were a hit at the Open in Portrush, and he values the personal connections made through these interactions.

Although Dunluce Distillery remains a small enterprise, Simon's ambitions are growing. He dreams of opening a proper working distillery that offers a tourist experience, including tastings, a taproom, and educational sessions. This vision represents the ultimate goal for his brand.

Dunluce Coolers are available online from dunlucedistillery.com.