Est. 1761
Thomas Dakin begins the journey
Thomas Dakin, the forefather of quality English gin, purchased a property in Bridge Street, Warrington. He began distilling his original gin, at the age of 25, and founded what would become the oldest gin distillery in England.
G&J Greenall was born
1 January 1860
The Dakin family leased their distillery to Gilbert and John Greenall and was purchased ten years later by them, at which point it changed its name to ‘G&J Greenall’; the name it has retained to this day.
G&J Outgrows Bridge Street
28 January 1960
By 1960, due to an increase in gin’s popularity, the distillery moved to a larger site opposite the Greenall brewery. The following decades witnessed a tremendous growth in the company, largely due to the launch of Vladivar Vodka in 1971.
Marblehead Brand Development Established
9 November 1973
Founded in 1973 by Ricky Agnew, Marblehead was created as a distribution and brand development agency committed to launching and growing brands including Absolut Vodka, Kraken Black Spiced Rum, as well as Marblehead’s own brands Davna Vodka and Skipper Rum in the UK.
L et L Spirits is born with Alizé
18 April 1984
The story of L&L began with innovation and the idea of combining natural passion fruit with the finesse of Cognac. In 1984, the brand Alizé was born and it was introduced to the USA in 1986. Its success was immediate and L&L became the first French exporter of liqueurs to the USA.
First Ireland Spirits Established
25 August 1993
First Ireland Spirits originated in the rural Irish village of Abbeyleix in County Laois in 1993. Producing Irish cream liqueurs and Irish Country Cream beverages for some of the world’s largest retailers and drinks companies.
Greenall Distillery Destroyed by Fire
15 October 2005
In 2005, a fire destroyed the warehouse but fortunately the stills were saved and production continued in a new distillery which was opened in Birchwood, Warrington. As a result of investment, and the commitment of the staff, the distillery was moved to a new site in 2008.
Quintessential Brands Group is Founded
14 April 2011
Visionaries Enzo Visone, former CEO of Gruppo Campari, and investment banker and entrepreneur, Warren Scott found their new venture Quintessential Brands with the aim of transforming the drinks industry.
G&J Greenall Becomes Part of the Quintessential Brands family
15 April 2011
G&J Greenall’s changed ownership in August 2011 and is now part of the international drinks group Quintessential Brands, where it continues to provide world-class distillation and bottling services.
Essential Drinks Founded
24 June 2013
Formed in 2013 Essential Drinks is the business to business supply division of Quintessential Brands. Working with international spirits brands, as well as fast-growing boutique brands, Essential Drinks provides unrivalled production and route to market solutions on an international scale.
Quintessential Brands acquires First Ireland Spirits
1 April 2014
Quintessential Brands compliments its existing portfolio with the acquisition of First Ireland Spirits as it expands its operations in Ireland. Leveraging the companies well-established customer and international distribution platforms, dynamic existing portfolio of brands and proven production capabilities.
Quintessetial Brands acquires Marblehead Brand Development
8 July 2014
Quintessential Brands and Marblehead had a symbiotic business partnership and in 2013, Quintessential Brands took this relationship to the next level securing the future of Marblehead as an entrepreneurial brand development company with an expanded portfolio.
Quintessential Brands acquires L et L Spirits
3 March 2015
Seeing the potential Quintessential Brands continues its rapid expansion plans procuring L & L the renowned spirits company known for its expertise in crafting exquisite fruit liqueur spirits, brandies and Cognacs
Quintessential Brands acquires Dublin Whiskey Company
22 March 2016
Further cementing its commitment to its operations in Ireland Quintessential Brands acquires the Dublin Whiskey Company providing a home for its Irish whiskey brands and offering the opportunity to further develop its Irish whiskey portfolio.