A PAIR of young entrepreneurs have launched a gin company as a way of ‘putting up a bit of a middle finger to coronavirus’.

The dynamic duo, Archie Ley and Ben Mills, have set up Big Grin Distillery at the heart of Mr Mills’ family farm, Upton Downs, in Burford.

The pair, both from the West Oxfordshire town, set about creating the business in June.

Its aim is to provide not just great-tasting gin but also spread a bit of positivity during the Covid-19 pandemic.

See also: Schools reopening decision attacked by experts

Mr Ley, 23, said: “We came up with the name as it’s all about happiness, joy and laughter, and also putting up a bit of a middle finger to coronavirus.

“This whole thing probably wouldn’t have happened without coronavirus though, but Ben and I thought ‘why don’t we just get stuck into something?’.

“We found ourselves launching in the middle of a pretty bad year, so we decided we wanted to be an antidote.

“Big Grin is a name to reflect the optimism and energy at the heart of everything we do.

Oxford Mail: Make a Martini with the Big Grin gin. Picture: Sophie CarsonMake a Martini with the Big Grin gin. Picture: Sophie Carson

“We wanted to create a brand that was fun while there aren’t many young people who own a distillery.

“We’ve been through the gradual process of creating a brand, we had a designer and that took a while to get the mark exactly right and then we’ve had a web creator to help with the launch of the website in early December.

“In the meantime though, we’ve created a bottle shop and distillery tasting bar.”

The bottle shop opened in September, offering wines, spirits and locally brewed beers and ciders.

The tasting bar will be used for tastings from wine merchants, local breweries and other distilleries, while it can also be hired for private tastings too.

Read more: Brain injury survivor and junior doctor top honours list

The distillery is situated next door to sister restaurant, The Upton Firehouse.

The old school friends, who met at Summerfields School in Summertown, got together near the beginning of the pandemic.

The new business venture signals a fresh start for Mr Ley, who was previously running the social media channels for a digital gaming company, and before that worked at a PR startup in London.

Mr Mills meanwhile, has recently completed his studies at the University of Exeter.

Looking into 2021 though, the duo have big plans for the future of the business.

Read also: Nearly £1m paid out to help local businesses

Mr Ley said Big Grin would hopefully launch a range of flavoured gins and some exciting canned drinks too.

He said: “They’re essentially alcoholic sparkling water, something that’s become big here in the UK in the last 18 months.”

Big Grin currently sells gin, vodka, and merchandise including face masks, hats and T-shirts.

To find out more, please visit: biggrin.co.uk