.webp)
Our Story
Life's too short for a boring drink. That's more or less how we ended up here. John has had a varied life before Big Willy Distillery, by way of a studying fashion, qualifying as a mechanic, plumber and electrician, a few years in a boxing ring, and a career in advanced engineering for military aircraft and luxury cars. Sally spent 35 years as a florist, 18 of them behind her own shop door on Market Weighton High Street, and she has still never turned down a party or an adventure. We're married and we're based in Yorkshire, and we're at our happiest halfway up a mountain or watching the sun go down somewhere hot!
Meet the Founders
Just the two of us with a firm view that life is too short for a boring drink.
John
Read profileJohn
I’ve had what you might call an interesting journey—or, depending on who you ask, a complete inability to sit still and pick just one career!
I’ve lived in different parts of England and Holland, as well as spending many years working in the tourism industry across Europe and Greece. Living and working in different countries has given me a real appreciation for different cultures, people, food, and ways of life—and probably explains why I’m always thinking about where I’ll go next!
I studied fashion at university, qualified as a motor mechanic, plumber, and electrician, and eventually built a career in engineering and manufacturing. I’ve held multiple positions as a Project Engineer, Project Manager, and Senior Engineer, with experience in the demanding worlds of military aerospace and luxury automotive manufacturing.
Along the way, my interests and experience have also taken me into the financial world of the City of London, property law and accountancy. It’s fair to say my career hasn’t exactly followed a straight road—more of a scenic route with several unexpected roundabouts!
I’ve always had a serious passion for cars and motorcycles. Perhaps becoming a qualified motor mechanic was inevitable! I love the engineering, design, performance, sound, and sheer character of machines that make you want to turn around and look at them one more time.
Long before engineering and project management, I spent my teenage years keeping myself busy in the ring and on the mat. I was an amateur boxer, and also trained in Judo and Thai boxing. Looking back, learning how to take a punch was probably pretty good preparation for life, business, and project deadlines!
I love travelling, discovering different cultures, meeting people, and experiencing life beyond the familiar. I have a particular love for Southeast Asia—the people, food, landscapes, energy, warmth, and incredible sense of adventure.
And sometimes, it’s the simplest moments that mean the most. I love sitting somewhere in Southeast Asia and watching the sun set with my wife Sally—no plans, no deadlines, no complicated engineering problems to solve. Just a warm evening, a beautiful sky, a cold drink, and the quiet reminder that life doesn’t always have to be complicated to be wonderful.
I’m also passionate about cycling and high-altitude hiking. There’s something incredibly rewarding about pushing yourself physically, getting away from the everyday world, and reaching a summit after hours of effort. Although, somewhere around the halfway point, I do occasionally wonder why I thought climbing a very large mountain was a good idea!
Away from work, my greatest achievement—and the one I’m most proud of—is being a father to two smart and handsome sons. They keep me grounded, entertained, and occasionally remind me that I’m not nearly as cool as I think I am.
I have a genuine love for food and the beverage industry. For me, food and drink are about experiences, conversation, discovering new flavours, and enjoying great moments with great people.
And above all, I have a lust for life.
I try to live by three simple core values:
Love
Fun
Happiness
I believe life is meant to be lived, enjoyed, and shared. Work hard, laugh often, surround yourself with good people, travel whenever you can, stay active, try new things, and never take the good stuff for granted.
I’ve travelled, lived in different countries, changed careers, learned trades, fought in rings, trained on mats, climbed mountains, cycled plenty of miles, managed projects, engineered solutions, worked with incredible machines, explored property law and accountancy, raised two boys, and enjoyed more than my fair share of good food and drink.
And I’m still curious about what comes next.
So, welcome to my world.
There’s probably a story behind everything I’ve done.
And if there isn't, give me five minutes… I’ll think of one!
Sally
Read profileSally
Born in York, I’ve always been a fun, creative person with a love for people, new experiences and making the most of life.
I’ve been a florist for over 35 years, turning my creativity into a career I’ve genuinely loved. For 18 of those years, I ran my own shop on Market Weighton High Street, where I became very much part of the local community.
Away from work, I love travelling, cooking and a good party — and we’ve certainly hosted a few memorable ones at home over the years! The most special of all has to be my wedding day to John, celebrated at home and filled with wonderful memories.
I’m happiest when there’s an adventure involved. I’m a long-distance swimmer, runner and cyclist, and I particularly love high-altitude hiking and camping. I enjoy a challenge and I’m always ready to try something new.
Family means everything to me, and above all, I’m a very proud mum of two wonderful, successful children.
I’d like to think I’m equally at home in a pair of high heels or a pair of wellies — whatever the occasion calls for!
Creative, adventurous and always ready for the next chapter, I believe life is there to be enjoyed, memories are there to be made, and you should never be afraid to stand tall and be yourself
Fancy a proper drink?
Small batch gin, rum and ale, made in Yorkshire by two people who refuse to make anything boring.
