Hey there, liqueur lovers! We have a new episode live of the Overproof Podcast! I sit down with my partner Andrea to enjoy the pleasure of chatting with Hugh Leech, a true rockstar in the Australian liqueur scene. I have picked out the key topics we discussed for a quick and easy read.
It was a fun journey through Hugh's story, his interesting skills, and the fascinating tale of how Marionette Liqueurs came to be!
The Awesome Birth of Marionette Liqueurs
Hugh kicks things off by sharing the super cool origin story of Marionette Liqueurs. Picture this: it's 2016, and four industry pros decide to shake things up (pun intended!). Their mission? Create amazing liqueurs using ingredients grown right here in Australia. Hugh explains their cool idea: "We thought, 'Hey, why not make classic cocktail liqueurs that pack a flavor punch but go easy on the sugar?' This way, our bartender friends can play around and get that sweetness just right."
From Coffee to Cocktails: Hugh's Hospitality Journey
Hugh's adventure in hospitality started in Canberra, where he was all about that coffee life. But then, Melbourne called his name, and boy, did things get interesting! He joined the awesome crew at Gin Palace, and that's where the magic happened. Late nights crafting the perfect martini? Check. Falling head over heels for gin? Double-check! All these cool experiences gave Hugh a superpower: understanding flavors and spirits like a true pro. And guess what? That's exactly what helped him become the distilling wizard he is today!
The Birth of Marionette: A Labor of Love
Now, here's where it gets really fun. Marionette wasn't just some big, fancy startup. Nope, it was a passion project that Hugh and his buddies worked on in their spare time. They started small, making their yummy liqueurs in different distilleries around Melbourne. But here's the cool part: they were totally committed to making the best stuff ever. So much so that they went straight to the source – Aussie farmers! Hugh's got some hilarious stories, like driving for eight whole hours just to find a Seville orange farmer in Mildura. Talk about dedication, right?
Overcoming Hurdles with a Smile
Of course, it wasn't all smooth sailing. Hugh laughs as he remembers some of the tricky bits they faced. "You know what was really wild? Figuring out how to order glass bottles and get them delivered. Who knew that could be so complicated?" But here's the awesome part: even though things got tough sometimes, they learned so much from working with different distilleries. And all that knowledge? It's what makes Marionette's way of doing things so special and unique.
Fun Collabs and Exciting New Flavors
Hold onto your taste buds, because Marionette is always cooking up something new and exciting! They've just released a super tasty pineapple liqueur (yum!), and get this – they've teamed up with Four Pillars to create a mind-blowing mix of curacao and gin. How cool is that? It just shows how much they love trying new things and exploring all the amazing flavors out there.
Shaking Up the Aussie Drink Scene
Hugh's pretty proud of what Marionette's done for the industry, and honestly, who can blame him? "We wanted to create something that screams 'Australia!' – something that both our bartender pals and regular folks would love." And you know what? They've totally nailed it. They're not just filling a gap in the market; they're making the whole cocktail scene more exciting by bringing in flavors that feel like home.
What's Next? The Sky's the Limit!
So, what's on the horizon for Marionette? Well, they're taking a moment to catch their breath and plan their next big move. With their shiny new distillery, the possibilities are endless! Hugh's eyes light up when he talks about future projects and collabs. And who knows? We might see some super special limited edition goodies coming our way soon. They're all about keeping things fresh and exciting!
Words of Wisdom from Hugh
As we wrap up our chat, Hugh gets a bit sentimental (in the best way possible). He talks about how important it is to have good people around you and to never give up, even when things get tough. His journey from being a coffee lover to becoming this awesome distiller is seriously inspiring. It just goes to show that if you're passionate about something and work hard, you can totally make your dreams come true, even in a tough industry like this one.
Wrapping It Up with a Cherry on Top
And there you have it, folks! Hugh Leech and Marionette Liqueurs are proof that when you mix creativity, community spirit, and a love for quality, you get something truly special. As they keep pushing the boundaries of what's possible with flavors, we can't wait to see what they come up with next. So, keep your ears tuned to Over Proof for more awesome stories from the world of drinks and hospitality. And hey, why not treat yourself to some Marionette Liqueurs? It's like tasting the best of Australia in a glass.
Cheers, everyone!
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