Valentin Ponyaev is a passionate distiller who has turned his lifelong hobby into a successful career. With a background in engineering and chemical engineering, he has always been fascinated by the science behind distillation and the art of crafting fine spirits. He started experimenting with distillation at the age of 16, and his love for the craft only grew from there. After completing his education and gaining valuable experience in the field, Valentin decided to turn his hobby into a full-time profession and joined the team at CarbonSix Distillery. As a distiller, he brings his expertise, creativity, and passion to every batch of spirits he produces, striving to create unique and memorable customer experiences.
Valentin and colleague Rufus Z worked together before joining the team at CarbonSix Distillery, overseeing manufacturing at a health supplement company. Gaining valuable experience in managing the production process, ensuring quality control, and maintaining a safe and efficient work environment.
At CarbonSix Distillery, it is widely believed that distillation is more than just creating a spirit; it is about crafting a unique and memorable experience for the customer. Rufus Z said that a holistic approach is taken when making the spirits. This means carefully selecting the finest ingredients and using time-honoured techniques to create delicious and distinct products.
"We believe that every spirit should have its own story and each sip should be a journey of discovery and delight. Whether it's our award-winning gin or our small-batch rum, we strive to create products that reflect our commitment to quality, creativity, and innovation. We believe that spirits are not just drinks but works of art, and we approach our craft with the same level of passion and dedication as any artist," said Rufus Z.
CarbonSix Distillery's ethos has been to commit to making the business as sustainable and environmentally friendly as possible. One way it has achieved this has been by sourcing ingredients locally whenever possible, and reducing its carbon footprint and supporting local farmers. Using natural or organic ingredients helps ensure that the spirits taste good but are free from harmful chemicals and additives. Energy-efficient equipment reduces waste, and the distillery recycles materials whenever possible.
The distillery is always on the lookout for new ways to explore innovative technologies to push the boundaries of the distilling industry. One recent major innovation was the installation of a modular still, which allows the distillation of gin to be much faster and at a lower temperature than traditional methods. This can also preserve the delicate aromas and flavours of the botanicals and reduce energy consumption.
"We believe that a great spirit is more than just the sum of its parts. It's about balance, complexity, and a sense of place. A great spirit should reflect the unique terroir and character of the region in which it was made while also showcasing the skill and creativity of the distiller."
Valentin said that the most rewarding aspect of being a distiller at CarbonSix Distillery was the opportunity to create something truly unique and special and to share the experience with others. A personal highlight for Valentin was the launch of the distillery's flagship gin, which is now CarbonSix Distillerie's best-seller and has won several awards for its unique and complex flavour profile.
Both Valentin and Rufus Z have noted that their passion for the craft of distilling has grown since they started and that each bottle reflects their sustainability, quality, and innovation values. Both look forward to where the future may take them in the distilling industry and beyond.
