Amidst the ever-growing popularity of craft distilleries and the undeniable allure of aviation, two passionate pilots, Leo and Stew, have come together to embark upon an exciting journey in the name of gin. Their shared love for flying and the art of distilling has birthed a unique start up business – High Spirits Liquor – that promises to revolutionise the craft gin industry with an exhilarating aviation theme.
At the heart of High Spirits Liquor lies a commitment to crafting exceptional gins, meticulously handcrafted in small batches with the utmost precision and care. Drawing inspiration from the sleek elegance and timeless allure of aviation, their gins aim to transport the senses to new heights through a captivating blend of flavours.
With a nod to aviation’s rich history and the world-renowned aviation pioneers that have shaped the industry, High Spirits Liquor honours them by naming their gins after legendary planes and iconic aviators. The meticulous attention to detail extends beyond the product itself, with artwork and branding reminiscent of the golden age of flying, evoking a sense of adventure and sophistication.
Leo Howard, former Partner of Southway Motors and Coolway Air, showcasing his expertise as a skilled light vehicle mechanic with a focus on automotive air-conditioning. With a background in engineering and a keen interest in internet technology, Leo also has an Advanced Certificate in Alcohol Distilling. He is a commercially licensed pilot and Chief flying instructor at Goolwa Air.
Will Turner is a director at High Spirits Liquor, bringing strong IT capability and a forward-thinking approach to modernising operations and customer experience. With a background in digital systems and process improvement, he focuses on e-commerce, inventory management, and production workflow to support scalable, consistent quality. Will is also a licensed pilot, lending aviation discipline to logistics and events as HSL moves into its next chapter.
Stewart Bond brings a lifetime of technical expertise, professional experience and a passion for adventure to High Spirits Liquor. His career began in medicine as a clinical perfusionist, operating the heart-lung machine during cardiac surgery to maintain circulation and oxygenation during heart bypass procedures. This demanding role developed the precision, discipline and attention to detail that have remained hallmarks of his professional life.
Stewart’s passion for aviation has taken him across a remarkable range of flying disciplines, from hang gliding and paragliding to microlight and general aviation. With more than 10,000 hours of flying experience, he has dedicated much of his life to flying, teaching, mentoring and sharing his passion for aviation with others.
Stewart previously served as Chief Flying Instructor (CFI) in hang gliding at Flylight in the UK. He currently serves as Chief Flying Instructor for weight-shift microlights and Deputy Chief Flying Instructor for three-axis aircraft at Adelaide Biplanes, based at Aldinga Airfield in South Australia.
Holding a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), Stewart works as a charter pilot and flight instructor, specialising in tailwheel flying, aerobatic instruction and historic aircraft, including vintage biplanes. His extensive experience spans a broad spectrum of aviation, combining technical knowledge and instructional expertise with a deep appreciation for the skills, craftsmanship and traditions of flight.
An adventurer at heart, Stewart brings this same enthusiasm for precision, craftsmanship and pioneering spirit to High Spirits Liquor. Alongside his fellow directors, he helps bring the brand’s distinctive aviation heritage to life through carefully crafted spirits inspired by legendary aircraft, pioneering aviators and the golden age of flight.
For Stewart, High Spirits Liquor is a natural extension of a life spent pursuing new horizons, embracing adventure and celebrating the extraordinary people and machines that make flight possible.
High Spirits Liquor — The Adventurers Spirit.
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