Who We Are

Hughes Craft Distillery was established in 2010 by husband and wife Stuart and Barbara Hughes. They were the first small-batch spirits producer in Northern Ireland much ahead of the craft spirits movement.

Some people might think it was a moment of madness amidst the recession, but the couple believed that people deserved better tasting spirits, and if given the choice they would choose hand-made over mass produced. They resigned from their jobs and started Northern Irelands 1st Craft Spirits production.

Shortly after launching the RubyBlue brand they won international awards such as International Liqueur master, Great Taste Awards, Global Vodka Master, NY World Wine & Spirits Winner & International Liqueur Master. Export business came quickly and larger premises were needed, so in 2013 a move to Lisburn enterprise centre was essential. Since then the business has grown from strength to strength with stockists such as Fortnum and Masons London, Sainsbury’s, Tesco’s, Supervalu and M&S locally and exports to countries such as Russia, Australia, Lebanon, and Finland.

By 2016 larger premises were essential, but this time visitors from around the world wanted to come and see how RubyBlue was made and therefore the search was on for the location that suited the beautiful hand-made products.

Carefully selecting wild berries and botanicals from the beautiful countryside, moving in harmony with changing seasons, and locking the purity of nature into RubyBlue unique infusions and exceptionally smooth Vodkas. RubyBlue Spirits embody premium quality traditionally crafted to create a flavour experience – The award-winning RubyBlue Spirits range is now produced in the beautiful village of Moira in Co. Down, with adjoined The StillHouse Gastropub and Gin school.

Exported around the world, loved and supported by local restaurants, bars and retailers, RubyBlue is featured throughout the Food & Drink menus at The StillHouse.