ABOUT US

How us?

We started in 2010 by importing a Pilsner Beer from Christchurch, New Zealand called Monsoon. Although a truly great beer, and notwithstanding the tragic earthquakes of 2011, it quickly became apparent that one beer on its own was not going to be viable - a hobby yes, but not a serious business proposition.

At the same time we had been approached by a small independent farmer/ cider producer to market his fantastic cider. This quickly developed into our current offering of over 8 different UK cider producers, along with a range of unique, different, hard to source, boutique alcoholic drinks, from the UK and overseas. We now offer products from Micro Brewers, Farmhouse Cider Makers, English Vineyards and specialist Spirit Manufactures – and the product list grows daily!

Why us?

What makes us different is that we are focussed on providing a sales and marketing service for very small producers of high quality products, who either have limited production (so are not attractive to the big boys) or are physically too far away from the crowded South East to make it viable for them to sell and deliver (or both).

So if you have a favourite tipple that you find hard to get your hands on, please let us know as we are always on the look out for new products. Equally if you have a favourite outlets that you would like to see stock any of our products, please let also us know and we will do whatever we can to supply your favourite local store.

Who us?

Ian and Justin have been friends for over 30 years having started their careers at Trailfinders in the early 1980’s, where a love of experiencing different and unique “local brews” was born on their many overseas trips. Both have subsequently continued to search for elusive, different and unique drink’s, and now have great pleasure in bringing you their findings…

Ian Carter

Ian has tried to visit every continent – on rugby tours – and has organised trips and played and sampled the local brews in New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Singapore, Hong Kong, Argentina, Dubai, Oman, Kenya, France, Italy, Ireland, Scotland and Wales (he is not too sure about the “local” brew in Muscat)!

Ian’s career in travel culminated as MD (UK) of ebookers plc, prior to its sale to Cendant. Subsequently he has consulted on various projects and start-ups.

A fervent Harlequins supporter – he can be found in the member’s bar on home match days – moaning to The Chairman that you can’t get a good pint of real cider in the club!! When not at The Stoop, Ian can be found in either The White Horse in Hedgerley or The Bowlers Bar at Lords – favourite beer – anything that’s free…..

An amateur golfer with absolutely no swing or chance to improve his game…best avoided on the links………

Justin Summers

Justin has travelled the world extensively, having lived, worked and played hard in Australia, New Zealand, the USA and Canada.

Justin’s eclectic career covers sales and marketing of everything from advertising to aloe vera, encyclopaedias to electroluminescence, fridges to furniture, houses to holidays, gyroscope rides to round the world flights.

Has not missed a World Cup (when England have qualified) since 1982 – and now needs to make the boutique drinks company successful so that he can go to Brazil 2014

A lonely Charlton Athletic fan, when not at The Valley Justin can be found in Brighton at either The Basket Makers on the ESB or in The Evening Star drinking Harry’s cider.

A legend in Brighton and the Business Class Lounge, dangerous on the dance floor