Fred Stockton, the man behind Alexander’s gin, chats with Lost Loch Spirits about gin, vanishing tricks and proposals
Alexander’s gin is inspired by a juniper and orange infusion served by a distiller from an island where the Caribbean meets the Atlantic.
Lost Loch were lucky enough to meet Fred in Royal Deeside. Fascinated by his story, they teamed up to recreate the amazing spirit Fred fell in love with in the Caribbean. Using juniper berries, oranges and natural botanicals Alexander’s gin was born. If you are fortunate enough to have a bottle, the perfect serve is a slice of pink grapefruit, light tonic and ice.
To this day, Fred never found out the Caribbean distiller’s name, so he crowned him ‘Alexander’ and dedicated this labour of love to the man himself.
We caught up with Fred Stockton, the man behind Alexander’s gin for a wee dram.
What does your job involve?
When I’m not making Alexander’s gin my day job is in the oil industry. Implementing and monitoring business improvements for end-to- end business processes and full project life-cycle regarding project management – exciting eh?
Tell us something interesting about your work.
The only continent I have not managed a project on is Antarctica. Great fact – the speed of sound through water is greatly affected by temperature and amount of salt.
How did you get into doing what you do?
Once upon a time, sat on a beautiful Caribbean beach, I tasted a fantastic orange-based spirit. When I got home, I wanted to recreate this amazing spirit, that’s when my mission began and Alexander’s gin was born. What’s the symbol you say? ‘double X’ on top of one another is the Norse symbol for ‘where there’s a will there’s a way’.
The day job? I was a Trawlerman for 10 years and transferred many of the required marine technology skills to offshore oil construction and eventually onto managing projects.
What’s your favourite cocktail?
If I can’t get a good G&T it would be a Mojito.
What’s the most unusual spirit you’ve tasted?
It would have to be absinthe – knowing some of the history and the complexity behind making it (as Lost Loch knows!)
What was your first experience trying gin?
Wimbledon 1980’s. Probably a green bottle. It was a tradition in my family while watching the tennis.
What’s your favourite joke involving drink?
The past, present and future walk into a bar. It was tense.
What’s your party trick?
Allegedly vanishing. Keyser Söze style. “And he was gone”. I can neither confirm or deny this.
If you could buy a drink for anyone, who would it be?
I want to say something clever like Churchill or Teresa May (she needs it), but it would have to be Messi.
What’s the funniest thing that has ever happened to you in a bar?
She said yes! You’re not going to print this are you?