The Muff Liquor looks to expand Down Under

Award-winning Irish craft spirits brand The Muff Liquor Company is preparing to take its premium gin and vodka to the Australian market.

The company was established in February 2017 by entrepreneur Laura Bonner and her business partner Tom Russell. Inspired by Bonner's grandfather's recipes for poitin – a spirit made from potatoes – the pair (pictured below) have founded their premium potato-based craft spirits company in Muff, a small village in Donegal.

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The distiller's name has attracted a lot of attention on social media, with Bonner admitting the hype is helping the product to stand out.

She explained that while the name represents the “fun and cheeky” identity the pair want to establish, the product itself is a serious contender. 

The Muff has already won Gold in the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America Exposition in Las Vegas and Gold in the Asia Gin Masters in Hong Kong.

“The awards have been hugely important to us," Bonner told Derry Now. "We are also delighted to be part of the development of the Irish drinks scene and to have benefitted from the positive attitude and support that is out there for female entrepreneurs. We couldn’t have achieved the success without the support of the local community and local businesses who have really got behind us in showcasing our products.”

Over the next 12 months Bonner and Russell plan to further develop distribution in South East Asia and Australia, China, Hong Kong and Japan.

“We have been overwhelmed with our success to date and the response to our products and the interest in Muff Vodka has been particularly high," Russell said. "It really builds on our unique taste and brand and creates a special and personal vibe. 2018 has been a fantastic year and we are really confident that 2019 and the years ahead will be positive for us. We will be keeping our heads down and remain focused to achieve our goal of global domination! We are very much committed to further developing our plans for our own distillery and creating jobs in our area but most of all we hope that our customers will continue to support us and enjoy our unique products.”

The Muff Gin is available for shipping to Australia via KWN Wine.