The Race to Revolutionise Non-Alcoholic Drinks with Founder & MD of The Driver’s Tipple, Hamish Gordon #24
Following idols like Nigel Mansell, Jackie Stewart and Graham Hill, Hamish Gordon’s talent and passion for racing has led him to podium glory and competing against accomplished drivers like Jenson Button. Hamish’s latest feat, however, sees a Graham Hill-esque mascot adorning the label of a unique, innovative, non-alcoholic gin brand - The Driver’s Tipple.
Having launched in 2018, the truly remarkable alternative to regular gin - as host Lee Cooper will attest to after an on-air taster in this podcast - has grown through the strength of Hamish’s network, quality of the product, and customers’ connection to the tongue-in-cheek brand & loveable mascots Miles and Ophelia.
Discover the story behind The Driver’s Tipple’s arduous development and progression since their successful launch on this episode of Extrology.
Lee & hamish discuss:
Hamish’s early entry into motorsport and racing idols
Competing in Formula Ford against the likes of Jenson Button
Finding podium success in international races
The inspiration to start an innovative, revolutionary drinks brand
Entering the market as our drinking culture and habits shift towards healthier, more experimental lifestyles
The invaluable support that a strong network provides in both racing careers and business ventures
Links & references:
Lee Cooper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/
Hamish Gordon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hamish-gordon-70811059/
Get in touch: lee@extrology.com
Episode highlights:
“I don't think we were over privileged, but we were comfortable, and that upbringing taught me values that I very much used in Driver's Tipple. It certainly taught me how to work, I wasn't just left to go to school and enjoy myself, I had to work, and I used to work on farms.” - 2:10 - Hamish Gordon
“The main point in business and in driving is to enjoy it. I love Driver’s Tipple, and sure there are lots of painful moments in everything that you do. But if you enjoy it, it makes it so much more worthwhile than just being a career ladder.” - 10:30 - Hamish Gordon
“There is a huge amount of investment, and that's where the business comes in. Back in the day we had a wonderful phrase, and it's so true: You can only go as fast as you can afford.” - 13:15 - Hamish Gordon
“I used to have a manager at the end of my racing career, whose nickname for me was Captain Network. It was hilarious, just a little jibe, but it's very important that you get to meet all these people, but you can learn from them.” - 21:20 - Hamish Gordon
“I knew I wanted to have something different, something quirky, something that would portray my sense of humor. I looked at over 250 bottles of non-alcoholic gin, I had them all lined up, and the thought that went through my head was that it was all a little bit boring.” - 30:50 - Hamish Gordon
“A lot of people that I talked to say ‘I will put Rosemary in it, or some blackcurrant oil, or rhubarb, or some ginger’. They will always come up with something they like to try with it, which is fascinating. 15 to 20 years ago, people would have just had gin straight as it was supposed to have been. People are now experimenting with their own tastes. They're exploring what they do and don't don't like.” - 40:35 - Hamish Gordon
“I have a number of friends in France, a good wine producing country, and they've always remarked that the British drink like it's a competitive sport. If it was in the Olympics, we would have every gold medal, and that used to make me smile but it's so true. It's almost like we're on a self-destruct, we have to drink until we reach oblivion, which is very sad.” - 49:15 - Hamish Gordon
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