Reefton Distilling Co. has announced the appointment of two Otago University Alumni as Brand Ambassadors.
Good friends since their days at university, Reefton Distilling Co. Brand Ambassadors Beth Scott and Nick Secker have already made names for themselves in the New Zealand Spirits Industry. These two, now experienced Distillers, took up career opportunities with Reefton Distilling Co. in the company’s early days. Their science skills came to the fore in what was then a relatively new industry for New Zealand, with only a handful of distilleries in operation.
Established in 2017 with the objective of providing sustainable employment for local people, and to help regenerate the small rural town of Reefton, Reefton Distilling Co. is well known for its international award-winning spirits. Its Little Biddy Gin, Wild Rain Vodka, Flavour Gallery Gin Series, and Reefton Distilling Co. Liqueurs have already notched up 87 awards (including four Platinum and 13 Gold and Double Gold) in both national and international spirits competitions.
Secker hails from Blackball, a small town to the south-west of Reefton and he holds a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Botany. Secker was Reefton Distilling Co.’s first distiller, joining the team in 2018, quickly moving into the position of Head Distiller as the business began to grow and his natural affinity with the craft became evident. A role which saw him oversee development of the distillery’s premium small batch distilled gins, vodka, and liqueurs.
Secker has whakapapa to Ngati Porou. He grew up in the West Coast rainforest, learning first hand from his father the importance of being connected to the land and the use of rongoā (medicinal plants). Secker’s botanical knowledge was soon put to good use at the distillery, and he recalls how his first day was spent foraging for botanicals for the yet to be crafted gins. These fresh ingredients from the Te Tai Poutini rainforest surrounding the distillery, Horopito, Kahikatea, Rimu, Tarata, Toatoa, Watercress and Snow moss, each contributing to that distinct West Coast flavour they imagined.
Many talk of the art of distillation and while this is fundamentally a scientific process, there is certainly an air of magic when the raw ingredients are placed in the still and distillation begins. Secker said that one of his clearest memories is of the first full production run of Little Biddy Gin and the moment he entered the still room.
“Encountering the first intense flavours coming off the still was one of the most amazing experiences. Walking in and tasting the rainforest coming out of the still, it is something that I will never forget,” said Secker.
Scott, a Food Science and Marketing graduate, grew up in the small rural West Coast settlement of Jacobs River and joined the distillery team in 2019, after Secker introduced her to Reefton Distilling Co.’s Founder and Chief Executive, Patsy Bass. Scott saw the opportunity to build her career at Reefton Distilling Co. and holds a Certificate in Brewing and Distilling (IBD UK) and WSET L3 in spirits. Her role saw her take the lead in new product development and, latterly, lead the team of production assistants.
Scott said that she has relished the responsibility of being part of a team producing what she described as a consistently amazing product at a company that has such a vision for Reefton and the New Zealand Spirits Industry.
In addition to their obvious talent as Distillers, Secker and Scott are consummate hosts. Each has spent time at the cellar door, hosting tours and tastings, and sharing the Reefton Distilling Co. story with visitors to the distillery and at events all around the country.
This skill set, coupled with their knowledge of the wider New Zealand Spirits Industry, has seen both Secker and Scott well-placed to act as Brand Ambassadors for the distillery. Scott serves as a judge at the New Zealand Spirits Awards, and Secker has hosted a series of videos on YouTube introducing consumers to the Little Biddy Gin range, Wild Rain Vodka and Reefton Distilling Co. Liqueurs. Both Brand Ambassadors have also represented the company in international markets.
Both have an in-depth knowledge of the Reefton Distilling Co. brand and its range of award-winning products, attributes that Founder and Chief Executive Patsy Bass said will be key in the multi-faceted role of Brand Ambassador. Importantly and most fundamentally, both Scott and Secker are proud West Coasters who continue to represent their region as a rich place to live and to work.
Secker moved into a Secondary School teaching role on the West Coast and Scott has moved to be nearer her partner in Hokitika, as Reefton Distilling Co.’s first distillers, shareholders, and proud West Coasters, they each said that they see themselves as part of the Reefton Distilling Co. family for life.
Patsy Bass said she felt exactly the same way.
“Secker and Scott have each played an integral part in our success, and while we always knew that we couldn’t keep them forever – I am thrilled that we’re able to continue our relationship in a formal capacity by appointing them as our Brand Ambassadors.”
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