This week’s ThriveEDIT member Q&A spotlights Gin on the Rock Ltd, trading as Spirit of the Rock, a micro distillery based in the heart of Gibraltar’s old town, producing world-class spirits and hosting the Gibraltar Gin Experience.

With a focus on authenticity, sustainability and products actually made in Gibraltar, this is a business that brings together local craft, visitor experience and plenty of personality.

What does your business do, in one sentence?

We are a Micro Distillery based in the heart of the old town, making world class spirits, and hosting the Gibraltar Gin Experience.

What made you start, join or grow the business?

The idea, and most of the hard work creating the business is down to my wife Stella. Her aim was to create something genuine, authentic, and unique to provide a special memorable experience and at the same time create gifts, actually made in Gibraltar, for tourists and locals alike.

What is one thing people might not know about what you do?

We now supply Powder Monkey Veterans Beer, made in the old Royal Navy Powder store in Gosport, and it is the best beer on the Rock. We have a very green ethos and encourage locals to return bottles for a discount of their next purchase, returning and reusing, is so much better for the planet than recycling. Our reduced packaging is also designed to be reused.

We deliver on an e bike, and encourage everyone we meet to embrace the idea of sustainable transport, Gibraltar needs less unnecessary car journeys.

What has been your proudest business moment so far?

Having spent two years perfecting the blend of our flagship Gin, Campion, having it voted best London Dry Gin at the 2020 World Gin Awards, just 9 months after opening.

What is one challenge you think many Gibraltar businesses are facing right now?

Change is constant, so being nimble and ready to adapt, is essential. Traditionally “The Rock” stands for solid, immovable and reliable, but it is going to have to learn to “move” now!

What has being part of the GFSB community meant for your business?

The feeling within the GFSB community in the past, was that it mainly served the interest of the old established larger businesses. However recently it appears to be standing up more for “small business”, which is actually what it is supposed to do! Go GFSB!

What’s one connection, opportunity or piece of support you’ve gained through the GFSB?

Recent talks on AI and a leadership and branding course run by Bristol University.

You can get in touch with Spirit of the Rock through their website at www.spiritoftherock.gi, by email at peter@spiritoftherock.gi, or by WhatsApp on 54067487. You can also follow them on social media at @spiritoftherock.

This Q&A was answered by Peter Millhouse, Distillery Manager.

Thank you to Spirit of the Rock for taking part in our ThriveEDIT member Q&A series. We’ll be spotlighting more businesses from across the GFSB membership in the weeks ahead, sharing the people, stories and ideas that make Gibraltar’s business community so interesting.

GFSB members who would like to be featured can email editor@gfsb.gi.