Belfast Graft & Craft: Gerry White’s Jawbox Gin Journey
Gerry knows gin from his time behind the bar and from sipping his favorite tipple from the other side of the stick.
But he found his perfect gin, though he could imagine just how it would taste, a taste he finally captured in his now award-winning Jawbox Gin.
Join us as Gerry tells us how the idea for creating a gin just wouldn’t let him go, the Belfast stories behind the Jawbox name and striking logo design, how he managed to time the Jawbox launch just as the gin category was taking off, how The brand has soared through “Graft & Craft,” the origin of his signature Belfast Swerve—plenty of ice, a generous measure of Jawbox, a wedge of lime, all topped with a key ingredient Gerry proudly says was invented in Belfast.
He talks about the steady progress he sees in his city, how his hometown is becoming a “must-visit” city for tourists, the warmth they feel from the people of Belfast, and the “lovely new buzz in the city.”
Our juniper-forward friend from the Falls Road closes with his ”Seamus Plug” for Belfast’s amazing chefs and dedicated purveyors of fresh local food that have ignited Belfast’s dining scene.
All music to the ears of the folks at Tourism Ireland who helped make our “Irish Stew Gets Lost in Belfast Road Trip” possible! Chart your course to Belfast and beyond at https://discovernorthernireland.com
Links:
Jawbox Gin
Gerry White
Episode Details: Season 7, Episode 3; Total Episode Count: 106
00:00 - Introduction
02:20 - Belfast Origins
03:39 - Lessons From Behind The Bar
04:55 - The Origin of the Jawbox Name
07:23 - How Jawbox Gin Was Created
13:23 - Becoming an Entrepreneur at 56
20:03 - Graft and Craft
20:59 - What Does Success Look Like?
22:17 - Brand Belfast
26:15 - The Belfast Serve
33:48 - Seamus Plug
36:55 - John and Martin Recap
38:53 - Credits
Gerry White
Founder and Entrepreneur
Gerry White, a Belfast native, founded the award-winning Jawbox Gin. Born in 1958, Gerry spent nearly 40 years in the hospitality industry, managing some of Belfast's top bars, including an 11-year stint at the beloved John Hewitt, a pub supporting community projects. His passion for gin, the only spirit he ever enjoyed, ignited a long-held dream of creating his own brand.
At the age of 58, Gerry finally launched Jawbox, proving it's never too late to pursue a passion. The journey, however, wasn't easy. It took over two and a half years from concept to launch, with Gerry admitting he nearly gave up. But everything fell into place with the help of Echlinville Distillery's Shane Braniff and Graham Miller, along with Drinksology for branding. Despite a stormy launch night in 2016 at the Linen Hall Library, with support from then Lord Mayor Arder Carson, Jawbox quickly gained popularity, becoming a sought-after spirit throughout Ireland and Europe. Gerry's entrepreneurial spirit and belief in surrounding himself with talented people have been instrumental in Jawbox's success.
Listen On