The story began in 2014 when it was decided that something ought to be done with the glut of apples on the trees in the houses in village that went to waste. Ilmington had an ancient tradition of cider making that had lapsed, so it was decided to revive it.

Apples were harvested and many villagers brought their apples in sacks for them to be scratted and pressed into apple juice, which was then fermented. The finished product was excellent and so it was decided to sell it. Production had taken place in Frog Lane and the parallel street was Grump Street, so the name GRUMPY FROG was coined and that is the company name today.

It was decided to take matters further and a distillery licence was obtained and an excellent Apple Brandy was produced. This was much praised by Prue Leith and sold in Fortnum & Mason under the brand name of SPIRIT OF ILMINGTON.

Gin was still very much the spirit of choice nationally, so a considerable amount of tasting gins and proportions of apple spirit took place until we were satisfied with our Dry Gin.

We then bought damsons and raspberries from the Vale of Evesham and steeped them in our Dry Gin in order to produce our Damson Gin Liqueur and Raspberry Gin Liqueur.

More tasting took place, this time with rums, spices and the right addition of apple spirit, until we were satisfied with our Spiced Rum.