Twofold Spirits: Redefining Premium Cocktails with a Michelin Touch

In the world of fine dining and luxury beverages, few brands bridge the gap between the kitchen and the bar quite like Twofold Spirits. Founded by Michelin-starred chef Tom Shepherd and beverage industry expert Charlotte, Twofold Spirits is redefining the premium spirits market with a chef-driven approach to distillation.

Their unique creations - Twofold Thai Green Gin and Twofold Banana Rum - offer an unparalleled drinking experience, blending bold culinary innovation with the precision of high-end mixology.

Tom Shepherd has long been celebrated for his ability to craft intricate, flavourful dishes. His restaurant, Upstairs by Tom Shepherd, not only earned Staffordshire’s first and only Michelin star, but also set a new standard for fine dining in the region.

Meanwhile, Charlotte’s extensive experience working with premium beverage companies gave her a deep understanding of the luxury drinks market. Together, they saw an opportunity to create something truly special - a brand that would embody both their passions.

Their transition from the world of haute cuisine to spirits was a natural evolution. “Tom’s ability to balance bold, tantalizing flavours has been pivotal in shaping Twofold Spirits,” Charlotte explains. “We wanted to bring that same level of precision and artistry to our spirits, ensuring that every sip tells a story.”

In a market saturated with premium gins and rums, Twofold Spirits stands apart. Few chefs have ventured into spirits, and even fewer have applied a Michelin-level approach to flavour development. Their philosophy is simple: each spirit should deliver a journey of taste, just like a beautifully plated dish.

Their debut spirits - Twofold Thai Green Gin and Twofold Banana Rum - are unlike anything currently available.

• Twofold Thai Green Gin is an exotic, herbaceous creation, featuring Thai basil, lemongrass, and other aromatic botanicals. Inspired by Tom’s love of Southeast Asian cuisine, this gin delivers vibrant, complex layers of flavour, making it perfect for cocktails like a Negroni or Lemon Gimlet.

• Twofold Banana Rum is a sophisticated twist on a classic rum, with deep, caramelized banana notes that elevate the drinking experience. Whether sipped neat, over ice, or in a Banana Manhattan, this rum balances indulgence with refinement.

Tom and Charlotte have been deeply involved in every step of the development process, ensuring that each bottle meets their exacting standards. “If we’re going to put our name on it, it has to be perfect,” Tom insists. This commitment extends beyond the liquid itself to every element of the brand - from label design to packaging - to ensure that Twofold Spirits exudes luxury.

While the journey has been rewarding, it hasn’t been without challenges. “The production process was one of the toughest aspects,” Charlotte admits. “We wanted to make sure that every detail, from the botanical balance to the final presentation, reflected our vision for Twofold Spirits.”

The name Twofold Spirits is more than just a label it’s a philosophy. “Twofold means ‘twice as great’ or ‘having two components,’” Charlotte explains. “It perfectly represents the fusion of our backgrounds Tom’s expertise in fine dining and my experience in premium beverages.”

This duality is evident in every bottle they produce, where culinary creativity meets masterful distillation.

For those discovering Twofold Spirits for the first time, how best to enjoy them?

• Twofold Thai Green Gin shines in a classic gin and tonic, allowing the bold botanicals to take centre stage. For a more adventurous cocktail, try it in a Negroni or a Lemon Gimlet, where its herbal complexity adds an unexpected twist.

• Twofold Banana Rum is a bartender’s dream, offering rich, natural sweetness that enhances a variety of drinks. Try it in a Banana Manhattan, where it replaces traditional whiskey for a smooth, indulgent take on the classic. Or, for a luxurious alternative to an Espresso Martini, substitute the usual vodka with Twofold Banana Rum for a deeper, more complex flavour.