< Previous28 INSIDEOUT29 INSIDEOUT SACRIFICES What followed were three years of “blood, sweat, tears and sleepless nights” to create a distillery he is proud of, and the hard work didn’t cease once production first started. Moises creates his gin alongside a 9-to-5 day job at one of the island’s largest retailers, and well as a busy family life with three children. “This has been one of the most difficult journeys of my life,” he says. “I give 100% to my day job, the distillery and my family, and I’m not gonna lie, it’s not easy. “I miss a lot of special moments with the family. I don’t mind working 100-plus hours a week, I don’t mind body aches; the one thing that kills me is missing out on these moments that I can never get back. “All I can do is remind myself that the reason I sacrifice is for my family. I don’t want them to have to grind like I did. Nothing was ever given to me. I want to be able to give them the life I never had.” AWARDS The sacrifices are paying off. Despite being relatively new on the scene, Grand Cayman Distillery has already produced two award-winning gins – NYISC gold medal winner Zeus Gin and Blue Iguana Gin, which won bronze at the same awards, and from which a portion of proceeds go to Blue Iguana Conservation, a preservation programme run by the National Trust for the Cayman Islands. Zeus’ win in New York was especially noteworthy. “We won alongside companies like Aviation and Empress Gin,” says Moises proudly. “This kind of win from such a young company is unheard of. I’m fully confident in my ability to create top quality spirits but bringing home the gold for Cayman in our first competition, especially of that calibre, was mind blowing.” Above: Grand Cayman Distillery’s stills create magical libations. Left: The distillery can make a pallet of Zeus gin in two days.30 INSIDEOUT FUTURE The future for Moises and his distillery is bright, with expansion of their product line in the works. A ‘Three Islands’ brand is soon to be launched, headed up by Triple Sec and Toasted Coconut Rum. “This Triple Sec is a game changer,” says Moises. “It’s a combination of Cara Cara and navel oranges with a hint of cardamom. It’s a more traditional throwback to the old Dutch style of Orange Curaçao. “Our Toasted Coconut won’t taste like suntan lotion. We’re using our gin botanical basket stuffed with real toasted coconut to vapour infuse the rum with flavour. No fake flavouring added, just good old-fashioned distillation.” Grand Cayman Distillery products are featured on cocktail menus across the island. Gin lovers can also find their products at all Tortuga Rum Company and Jacques Scott stores, as well as select Blackbeard’s location. ■ TECHNIQUES Distilling involves purifying a base liquid by heating and vapourising it, before collecting the liquid formed after the vapour condenses. Grand Cayman Distillery uses the vapour infusion method of distilling, as do international gin powerhouses such as Bombay Sapphire and Hendricks. “We have a custom-built botanical basket that we fill with an array of different botanicals depending on which product we’re making,” Moises explains. “The botanicals and liquid never come in contact with one another, instead, as the liquid is re-distilled, the ethanol vapour passes through them.” This allows the botanicals to release their oils into the alcohol vapour. “When we’re making our gold medal winning Zeus Gin, we fill our botanical basket with 40 lbs of cucumber skin,” says Moises. “We can make a pallet of gin in two days that’s distilled, blended and packaged.” Grand Cayman Distillery sales representative Derek Mize, and CEO Moises Sevilla.Palliative care should be part of your treatment plan If you are struggling with a life-limiting illness, Jasmine’s free palliative care services can help you manage your symptoms, support your family, and ease suffering. 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K Y O N E T W O A N DD T H R E E B E D R O O M T O W N H O M E S , F I V E M I N U T E S F R O M S E V E N MM I L E B E A C H34 INSIDEOUT DIS ‘N’ DAT | SHOP SHOP Cayman’s stores are a treasure trove of gorgeous home and garden items. Check out these fabulous options. 6 5 1.MARKSONS tufted accent chair. $713; 2. LIVING.KY Surya pillow. $110; 3. A. L. THOMPSON’S UMA glass lantern. $51; 4. TOMLINSON FURNITURE woven cotton accent fl oor pouf. $290; 5. BON VIVANT CUBE from Everdure by Heston Blumenthal. $299.95; 6. BEDSIDE MANOR Johnathan Adler wastebasket $145; tray, $70; toothbrush holder, $55; tissue box holder, $70; soap dispenser, $62; soap dish, $32; canister, $68; 7. DESIGN STUDIO Jonathan Adler botanist backgammon. $425; 8. LIVING.KY Four Hands foosball table. $6,999; 3 2 7 8 4 135 INSIDEOUT 10 9. WELCOME HOME Crestview Collection sea wash sideboard with wood top. $1,479; 10. STAGED vintage beaded glasses. $6 each; 11. STORAGE SOLUTIONS Symphony wall organiser. $600-$2,000; 12. ITC mosaic ice white polished hexagon tiles. $20 per square foot; 13. VIGORO fountain. $384.95; 14. MARKSONS counter dining set. $1,039; 15 TOMINSON FURNITURE Lola vanity mirror. $599; 16. STAGED 39” wooden bead garland. $25; 17. WELCOME HOME Crestview Collection jute & wood bench. $5 99; 18. DESIGN STUDIO Hadley sofa. Starting at $4,080 9 11 12 14 15 16 13 17 18FEATURES | HOME Panorama of a glorious sunset.Panorama of a glorious sunset. FEATURES | HOME Words: CATHERINE MACGILLIVRAY Images: RON ROSENZWEIG Two couples build the ultimate vacation home on the quiet side of Grand Cayman. SunRays shining at Rum Point37 INSIDEOUT SunRays shining at Rum PointNext >