Daniel abandons TV and film for gin distilling

Gin continues to be the favoured second career for many regional professionals, as this magazine’s news in-box can testify.

This month’s gin-tastic story goes to former film lecturer and TV cameraman Daniel Beckett who is writing the script for a sequel to his life story, as a gin distiller.

Pinnock Dry Gin has already earned awards and is stocked in more than 35 outlets throughout the county – including a Michelinstarred restaurant.

“It was always my ambition to write and direct an independent feature film. I also got into TV and worked on Hollyoaks in the camera department,” he said.

“Then I began a fulfilling career teaching film at my old college, but with greater pressures across the teaching sector, it made me realise that now was as good a time as any to start thinking about doing something else.”

Originally from Leamington and now living in Kineton, Daniel, 38, was keen to celebrate his Warwickshire roots. The 11 botanicals used in Pinnock Warwickshire Dry gin include Cotswold Lavender from Snowshill, near Broadway, quince from Alscot Park near Stratford and honey from Red Road Nursery in Little Kineton.

The gin has also won awards from the International Wine and Spirits Competition as well as a Great Taste award with The Guild of Fine Food.