In the latest instalment of our ‘Meet the Team’ series we catch up with one of the Arbikie founders Iain Stirling.

In the latest instalment of  our ‘Meet the Team’ series we catch up with one of the Arbikie founders Iain Stirling.

Tell us a bit about your background?
I worked in a combination of corporate roles with Marks & Spencer, Jim Beam Brands, Diageo & Volkswagen Group, before starting to work with my brothers David and John.

Why did you decide to start Arbikie?
My brothers and I were contracted to source some high-end spirit for a client. During this process we realised that we had all the ingredients on the farm to start our own distillery. We grew the necessary crops; we had a site for a distillery, our own water source, and experience of brand creation and marketing in the drinks industry.  We’ve always been an entrepreneurial family and decided that it was the right time to take the plunge and create a unique Scottish distillery.

What’s your role at Arbikie?
I am the Commercial Director so I cover Sales & Marketing, Product Development and Customer Service.

What’s the best aspect of working at Arbikie?
Working with family and the extended family that work as part of Arbikie.

What’s your favourite Arbikie drink?
The Arbikie Beetroot Bloody Mary, made with our unique  Arbikie Chilli Vodka.

What makes Arbikie different?
We are creating a family of premium spirits with full traceability. We believe our customers and potential customers appreciate knowing that we distil all our spirits from scratch.

Outside of the business what do you do for fun?
I love to play football, am back playing golf and to travel to new places and learn new things. I would have included supporting Dundee United in that normally, but that can’t be included as “fun” at the moment!

What does the rest of the family think about Arbikie?
They are all very excited by this natural extension to our existing family business and by the potential to grow a significant business. They have all been very supportive.

What are the biggest challenges working for a start up distillery?
Creating and selling a new family of premium spirits in a crowded and very competitive market.

What’s the best part of your job?
Seeing how much bar tenders and consumers love our products and going into a bar, restaurant or retailer and seeing our range of Arbikie products.