Penrhos Spirits, the award-winning craft gin distillery on the Welsh border, is today announcing that it is appointing not one Chief Gin Taster but four Gin Tasters onto a new ‘Gin Taster Panel’ following an unprecedented number of applications for what was dubbed ‘Britain’s most spirited job opportunity of 2025’.
The family-run distillery, which recently secured permanent listings in over 400 Sainsbury’s stores, received hundreds of applications from gin enthusiasts across the UK, prompting the decision to expand the original role to a panel of 4 Chief Tasters.
Harriet Evans, co-founder at Penrhos Spirits, said: “We were genuinely overwhelmed by both the volume and calibre of applications. The passion people showed for our sustainable approach to wonky fruit gin-making on our family farm, and their impressive knowledge of flavour profiles made it impossible to select just one person. We’re thrilled to welcome four exceptional individuals with four completely different palates to the Penrhos family.”
The Gin Taster Panel members, selected from applicants nationwide, will help shape future flavours for the craft spirits brand, which is known for transforming ‘wonky’ fruit from the family farm into premium gins distilled at the farm and packaged in 100% recycled aluminium bottles.
Meet the New Gin Taster Panel Members:
Amanda Christopherson (top left) from Herefordshire brings professional expertise as a Food & Consumer Management graduate specialising in recipe development, along with formal training in Wines & Spirits.
“When I opened the email confirming I was one of the four Chief Gin Tasters, I felt like Charlie Bucket finding the golden ticket… but with wonky gin instead of a Wonka bar!” says Amanda, who also runs Peapods & Stars, supporting children with emotional and social challenges.
“It is extremely exciting to be part of a Herefordshire company who not only produce my absolute favourite drink, but who also care about the environment by significantly reducing fruit waste and their packaging carbon footprint.”
Bethany Hatten, (top right) a mature Graduate Entry Medicine student originally from Essex but now living in Swansea, impressed the selection panel with her creative approach to gin appreciation.
“I’m the kind of person who’ll grab a gin, pair it with a creative garnish, and enjoy it in the sunshine—or Welsh drizzle!—with friends,” says Bethany, who also runs her own medical company (@clear_ear_wax). “I’m thrilled to be selected as a Chief Gin Taster—still can’t quite believe it!”
Luke Meredith (bottom right) from Powys brings extensive hospitality expertise, managing one of Penrhos’s top local customers, the award-winning farm shop at The Old Railway Line Garden Centre.
“There is no love more sincere than the love of good food and drink,” says Luke, whose background includes seven years in food retail, a decade in kitchens including time at River Café Glasbury, and experience in event catering. “Looking forward to getting started!”
Matthew Wilson (bottom left) from Rugby rounds out the team with his professional background in risk management for major food and drink establishments, coupled with his passion for craft spirits.
“I love seeking out new flavours and am always looking to impress friends with a unique tipple to make an occasion or event even more special and a talking point,” explains Matthew, who takes pride in an extensive collection of independent craft gins.
The four Chief Gin Tasters will participate in at least six remote gin tastings throughout the year, providing crucial feedback on new product and flavour development and helping to ensure Penrhos maintains its reputation for excellence and innovation in sustainable craft gin.
“Each taster brings something unique and exciting to our team,” adds Harriet Evans. “From Amanda’s professional recipe development experience to Bethany’s creative serving suggestions, Luke’s hospitality insights, and Matthew’s understanding of the commercial landscape—together they are a magic combination to help shape the future of Penrhos Spirits as we continue to grow.”
