The Old Curiosity Distillery in Edinburgh, Scotland, has taken on a new name – the Secret Garden Distillery – and has appointed former Loch Lomond Group Managing Director – Global Travel Retail André de Almeida as Managing Director.
As reported, de Almeida left Loch Lomond Group last month. There he played a key role in bringing the independent distiller’s brands, such as Glen Scotia and Loch Lomond, into the travel channel for the first time.
He joins the Secret Garden Distillery, as The Old Curiosity is officially renamed from 3 May, to emphasise its ‘rooted in nature’ values. The distillery’s naturally-crafted gins are rebranded to Secret Garden Gin.
De Almeida will spearhead the brand’s expansion in spirits, health and wellness categories in the UK and internationally. He is responsible for expanding Secret Garden’s presence across its markets, collaborating with existing distributors and customers as well as developing new partnerships.
De Almeida brings a wealth in the spirits business to the role, having worked in senior global travel retail and domestic roles for the Edrington Group and William Grant & Sons prior to joining Loch Lomond Group in 2016.
Secret Garden Distillery Founder Hamish Martin said: “I am so delighted that André, with his wealth of experience, has chosen to join the Secret Garden Distillery as its new Managing Director. He has embraced all our beliefs and understands the ethos and our one true value; to be rooted in nature.”
“I am excited to join the Secret Garden Distillery at this stage of their journey,” de Almeida added. “Hamish has built a unique business proposition underpinned by his passion and with nature at the heart of everything. There are some exciting developments to come in the next few years and I am looking forward to bring these to fruition.”
The Old Curiosity Distillery was founded on the outskirts of Edinburgh by entrepreneur and herbologist Hamish Martin in 2017. It boasts its own gin botanical garden – the Secret Herb Garden – with over 600 naturally and sustainably grown herbs and plants including a wide range of junipers, angelicas and a dedicated apothecary rose garden.  The garden is maintained without the use of chemicals. Botanicals are dried naturally at 37 degrees, distilled and bottled at 39% ABV to offer a range of gins which are naturally flavoured, with no added sugars, artificial colourings, flavourings or additives. |
