Kammerling Father And Son Talk Garden Distilleries, Mr Kamm's Gin and Proudest Moments

This Father’s Day we’re celebrating all the awesome Dads who go out of their way to support their offspring.

Alex Kammerling, industry stalwart and entrepreneur behind Kamm & Sons British Aperitif, recently commandeered his parents garden to set up a gin still in their shed to create the newly released Mr Kamm’s Gin.

We asked his dad Peter Kammerling for some insight on his inventive son, and just how he managed to persuade him to turn his garden into a distillery…

What was Alex like as a child?

He has always been very self-sufficient. He’d play with his Lego for hours on end and build the most amazing things. He was also tidy, something that most parents couldn’t accuse their children of! He has always been very artistic, something one his teachers saw in him and gave him the run of the arts class that included photography. Even as a youngster, Alex had what appeared to be a very professional attitude to how he created his artwork, and when commissioned to do some work (which he did for a number of our friends) his approach gave a clear indication of how he would be later on in life.

What characteristic makes Alex a good entrepreneur and did he get them from you?

I think Alex can best be described as focused. Once he gets an idea in his head, that’s it and he goes for it. He does listen to advice but needs an awful lot of convincing to change direction. He is also a stickler for quality (particularly how something tastes) and won’t let anything which doesn’t meet his high standards get by. In terms of what he got from me, I’m not sure as he’s very much his own man, but maybe his attention to detail and his good looks! However, his refined palate definitely came from his mother - though even she doesn’t ‘taste in colour’!

What made you agree to turn your garden into a distillery?

Alex! We had the space, we were already heavily involved in the Kamm and Sons business so this seemed like a good way to support both the business and Alex himself to help introduce a new product. Plus, we quite enjoyed the challenge…

What has been your proudest moment as a father?

There have been many, so picking one is difficult. His artwork, his exhibitions, his achievement as brand ambassador for Grey Goose vodka, his own BBC book of cocktails, his approach as a father in his own right; but I suppose walking away from a well-paid job to go it alone in this industry stands out.

Alex and Peter Kammerling are both available (together or separately) for interviews to talk about their exciting new gin Mr Kamm’s and their father-son relationship.

Mr Kamm’s Gin is available to buy in Fortnum and Masons for £45.00.

ENDS