Dr Abbie Neilson is co-founder and head distiller at Cooper King Distillery www.cooperkingdistillery.co.uk in Yorkshire, producing single malt whisky and carbon-negative gin.

Prior to co-founding the distillery, Abbie achieved her PhD in Biomedical Science before learning the art of whisky distillation in Tasmania, Australia. She went on to gain a General Certificate in Distilling with the IBD and now produces spirits for numerous high-profile customers, alongside her role as a spirit consultant and IWSC judge.