At the heart of The Shropshire Distillery is a story of passion, dedication, and craftsmanship. Behind every bottle of spirit we produce is a team driven by a love for distilling, a thirst for adventure, and a commitment to quality. At the forefront of our family-run business are Emma and Gareth Glynn, a husband-and-wife duo whose journey from high school sweethearts to distillers and business owners is one of dedication and discovery.
Emma Glynn: The Alchemist Behind the Spirits
When you sip on a spirit from The Shropshire Distillery, you’re tasting the precision, skill, and passion of Emma Glynn. As the lead alchemist, Emma undertakes most of the distillation, carefully crafting each batch using our traditional one-shot method. Her role is a balance of science and creativity—selecting botanicals, fine-tuning recipes, and ensuring that every drop meets the highest standards.
Emma’s attention to detail and commitment to transparency are at the heart of our distillery’s ethos. She believes in honouring the classic London Dry Gin method for our Gins, allowing the botanicals to shine without the need for post-distillation flavouring. Her approach ensures that every spirit we create is true to its ingredients and full of depth and complexity.Emma loves developing new products, from carefully crafting unique botanical blends to experimenting with innovative flavour profiles , with her meticulous attention to detail and creativity she ensures that every sip of our spirits tells a story of craftsmanship, quality, and passion.
Outside the distillery, Emma is just as passionate about teamwork and precision. A keen netball player and umpire, she thrives in environments where skill, strategy, and discipline come together—much like in the distillation process. Her love for the outdoors and the sunshine means that when she’s not crafting spirits, she’s often exploring the countryside, taking in new inspirations that might one day find their way into a bottle of The Shropshire Distillery’s spirit.
Gareth Glynn: The Ideas Man
While Emma is refining the craft, Gareth is constantly pushing the boundaries, always looking for the next great idea. He is the driving force behind innovation at The Shropshire Distillery, bringing his boundless energy and adventurous spirit into everything we do. Gareth is also Mr 'DIY', fixing, building and generally bringing
Gareth’s love for adventure runs deep—he was a professional motorcycle racer in his younger years, and his passion for anything with two wheels remains strong. Whether it’s motorbikes, extreme sports, or trying out bold new foods, he’s always up for a challenge. This same daring approach translates into our distillery, where he encourages creativity, embraces experimentation, and ensures that we never settle for anything less than exceptional. Gareth ensures that The Shropshire Distillery continues to evolve and excite.
A Shared Passion for Exploration
As a couple, Emma and Gareth share a love for adventure, travel, and culture. Having been together since high school, their journey has taken them across the world, exploring different landscapes, traditions, and, of course, spirits. Their travels have been a huge influence on their work at The Shropshire Distillery, exposing them to different distillation techniques, unique botanicals, and new ways of experiencing flavour.
This sense of adventure is what keeps The Shropshire Distillery dynamic and ever-evolving. It’s why they don’t just create spirits—they craft experiences. Whether it’s through their cocktail masterclasses, tour & tastings, or their signature Make Your Own Gin sessions, Emma and Gareth want to share their passion for spirits in a way that’s engaging, hands-on, and, most importantly, fun.
At the distillery, Emma & Gareth thrive in bringing people together. Whether it’s hosting our Gin School sessions, leading distillery tours, or creating new experiences for visitors, they are passionate about making sure that every guest leaves with a deeper appreciation for what we do. They believes that their spirits aren't just a drink—it’s an experience, a story, and a journey of flavour.
Bringing the Spirit of Exploration to The Shropshire Distillery
Their love for travel and culture isn’t just about discovering new places—it’s about bringing those experiences home. When crafting new gins, Emma and Gareth draw inspiration from their adventures. A floral note they encountered in a traditional Japanese tea might spark an idea for a botanical blend, while a unique citrus from a Mediterranean trip could inspire a fresh new serve.
This global perspective, combined with their deep respect for traditional distilling methods, is what makes The Shropshire Distillery so unique. They are constantly finding ways to merge the old with the new, honouring heritage while embracing innovation.
The Family Behind the Business
The Shropshire Distillery isn’t just about gin—it’s about family. Emma and Gareth’s daughter, Lily, has grown up surrounded by the world of distilling, watching her parents build something special from the ground up. She could probably teach Emma & Gareth a thing or two! And then there’s Calla, their Hungarian Vizsla, who is very much a part of the team, often keeping them company at the distillery and making guests feel welcome.
Running a family business means that every bottle produced is personal. It’s not just about making great spirits; it’s about creating something that reflects their values—quality, authenticity, and a love for sharing great spirits with others.
Join Us and Be Part of the Story
When you visit The Shropshire Distillery, you’re not just walking into a business—you’re stepping into a world built on passion, craftsmanship, and a deep appreciation for flavour. Whether you join us for a distillery tour, take part in a Make Your Own Gin experience, or simply enjoy one of our spirits at home, you’re becoming part of our community and we invite you to join us on our journey.
If you’d like to meet Emma and Gareth in person and see firsthand how our award-winning spirits are crafted, why not book a visit? We’d love to share our story with you, raise a glass, and show you why The Shropshire Distillery is more than just a spirit brand—it’s an Experience!
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