Feels Botanical bring on industry veteran John Gakuru as investor and advisor

August 8, 2023
By Rachel White
The Feels Botanical expressions include: Bask distilled with Hemp, Quandong and Kakadu Plum, Vivify distilled with Turmeric, Coconut and Ginger, Revel distilled with Coffee, Ginseng and Illawarra Plum and Rouse distilled with Rose, Davidson Plum and Horny Goat Weed.

Australian-made and owned eau de vie brand Feels Botanical has announced industry veteran John Gakuru will join the company as an investor and advisor, helping drive significant growth initiatives.

Seeking out Gakuru’s understanding of the ever-evolving local and international drinks landscape, Feels Botanical will tap into Gakuru’s experience in the international liquor business, taking his lead across product, brand and distribution.

“I’m so excited to jump in with the Feels brand and team,” said Gakuru. “So many brands strive for differentiation, Feels is truly unique. The four expressions of Feels are distinctive and delicious liquids that open up countless possibilities for bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts alike.”

With sustainably and holistic drinking at their core, Feels Botanics’ unique range of Australian botanical eau de vie grape-based spirits are hand-blended in the Adelaide Hills, using a carefully selected collection of 100 per cent natural and sustainably sourced botanicals creating gluten-free, grain-free, preservative-free, and added sugar-free spirits.

Bringing Gakuru on board heralds a new phase of global growth and market expansion for the fledgling distillers, who are keen to drive trade education, create training initiatives and leverage the brand’s potential to tap into key consumer growth trends.

Launching mid-2021, Feels Botanical’s fascinating and emotive blends have earned them an impressive following with progressive, sustainability-minded customers. They’re B-corp certified and a 1% for the planet member and are stocked in premium venues, including Bert’s, Mr Wong and Felix By Merivale, Mex Club, Hotel Palisade, W Hotel, Ovolo Group of Hotels, The Herring Room, Sky bar, Rosellas and Bar Elvina.

Featured image: John Gakuru and Feels Botanical co-founder, Blake Vanderfield-Kramer.

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