Bruce Walker, from Glasgow’s Broomhill, was once sent home from school for selling his homemade gin to classmates and he launched his very own brand – Purist Gin – during lockdown.
When he found himself without a job during lockdown, a plan to make bespoke gins for small retailers, bars and restaurants hit a wall as hospitality closed, but pandemic panic prompted Bruce to pivot and launch his own gin brand instead.
Brainstorming blossomed into branding and bottling with the help of mum Colette, who has since left a senior role in the public sector to join the burgeoning business.
Founder Bruce, now 22-years-old, said, “I first began distilling gin for my pals at parties. It tasted great and always went down very well – a little too easily perhaps. I’d like to think my taste and talent has developed since then, as have my processes!
“When lockdown hit and with no business to speak of, it was fight or flight time. Looking back, I’m incredibly proud that I’ve managed to persevere and build a business which makes excellent gin and has a great reputation.
“Our gins are growing in popularity with website sales increasing. I’m now working to help even more people discover our gin. I can’t wait to enjoy Purist in bars and restaurants across Scotland as hospitality reawakens.”
Mum Colette Filippi added: “Bruce has always marched to the beat of his own drum, and he’s got himself into a bit of trouble over the years because of that. But when he puts his mind to something, there’s no limit to what he can achieve.”
Each batch has its own unique label produced by an independent artist.