From the corporate world to adventure-seeking and motherhood, Claudia Roughley has worn many hats throughout her career. When faced with returning to the workforce, Claudia, a creative at heart, wanted to focus on something she really loved when the opportunity arose to join her brother on a wild new venture – Canberra’s own Underground Spirits. She wholeheartedly dived right in, even designing the label that was printed on their very first bottle of gin.  

Tell us about your organisation.

“We are Underground Spirits, Canberra’s most awarded distillery and proudly Australian. Our unique process, called “cryofiltration,” is the backbone of our range; it is how we produce all our spirits and why they have their undeniably smooth character. Our premium vodkas and gins have been recognised as outstanding, collecting several major awards around the world. We love to innovate, refine and evolve. Our collaborations keep flowing, as we share stories from magnificent partners, designing and working together to cement our spirits squarely in the premium end of the market.”

What inspired you to join the organisation?

“It was all very serendipitous when my brother started the distillery. Immediately, I dove into every angle I could to develop and grow the concept into our esteemed brand. My passion for gin traces back to London, when I was lucky enough to be working around the time Hendrick’s started giving bartenders cucumbers. My role in event and venue management saw me working alongside the team from Bombay Sapphire. It was all about gin, the experience, and the brand. From then I was a gin drinker, a gin seeker, and now a gin producer.”

What is the most rewarding part of your job? And the most challenging?

“Sharing our premium spirits is the most gratifying, watching people’s faces light up and say “wow” when they taste them!

“Our emerging craft industry has many challenges still to face – and working with industry bodies like the Australian Distillers Association is one way we all join forces and continue to strive for the recognition and support needed.”

Discover the range of locally and sustainably created gin and vodka at undergroundspirits.com.au

For more information on sponsored partnerships, click here.