Kristiane Sherry - Head Of Spirits at Fine and Rare Wines
Kristiane Sherry is head of Spirits at Fine and Rare Wines, co-host of the Pour and Sip Club, and passionate about Sussex.
We spoke to her about buying and selling high-end drinks, the inspirational places to visit in Sussex, and the best kept secrets of this wonderful county.
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Tell us about yourself?
I’m Kristiane Sherry, born and raised in Sussex. I currently live in Seaford, and adore the South Downs and the sea.
What do you do?
I’m head of spirits at FINE+RARE, an international platform for buying and selling high-end drinks. I also work with Pour & Sip, a whisky subscription service. In a nutshell, I adore sharing the stories of incredible spirits!
What do you love about your job?
It’s an enchanting thing when someone falls in love with a new drink. Flavour and aroma are so transportive – you can find yourself back in a favourite holiday spot, or with a loved one, all thanks to the vivid memories evoked by scent or taste. I also love telling the stories of the makers and craftspeople who create these wonderful drinks, delving into production approaches and ultimately sharing all these tales with a wider audience. And then hopefully captivating others with these stories in the process!
Tell us about the Pour & Sip Club?
Pour & Sip is all about sharing new whisky discoveries and much-loved favourites with our audience of subscribers – who might be right at the start of their whisky journey, or as geeky as we are! It’s a way to make whisky super accessible, demystifying the jargon, and making sure everyone knows whisky is for them. We do this by sending out five different 30ml tasters and hosting two live tasting sessions each month, complete with guests and lots of general chatter. Members get access to editorial features and member discounts on full bottles, too.
Who inspires you?
This is such an interesting question and it’s made me think a great deal. While I absolutely draw energy from people, I think I find inspiration more in nature, general community, sense perception, and community as a whole. There’s so much joy to be found in all these places, and these are invigorating in so many different ways.
How long have you lived in Sussex?
I’ve lived in East Sussex my entire life, minus about six months in South London, and some busy travel times. I’m in love with the county – from the sea to the hills, the beaches and the forests, I think it’s one of the most spectacular places in the world, and it truly is home for me.
What are your top three things about living here?
As an avid runner, I love the hills. The South Downs National Park. The views. The space. There are so many incredible vistas, trails, places to discover. And the different times of day, conditions and seasons mean even the most familiar places feel new every time you head out. So number one is the hills! Number two I think is the food and drink scene. We have so many world-class producers right on our doorstep; it’s such a treat for the taste buds. Thirdly – but by no means least! – I ADORE the Sussex bonfire traditions. To outsiders it can seem utterly bewildering. But the sense of community, the scent of tar, and the fire and flamboyance of it all – just incredible.
Your favourite drink?
Whisky is always going to be my first drinks love. Perhaps one day we’ll see a malt distillery open in Sussex?! But if I’m sticking to local consumption, it would be a glass of Wiston fizz, complemented by a cocktail with Brighton Gin. Or, if someone else is making, it’ll be pretty much anything off the menu at Brighton’s Plotting Parlour!
Your favourite place to visit in Sussex?
Cuckmere Haven is one of my favourite spots on this earth – seeing the magnificent meanders through the eyes of Eric Ravilious from the high points on the adjacent South Downs Way always touches the soul. I also love running around Castle Hill Nature Reserve and up onto the South Downs Way above Lewes and Kingston – just beautiful. You feel like you are on top of the world.
What is Sussex’s best kept secret?
All the little coves and gaps along the coast! Forget the ‘big’ beaches; take trips to Hope Gap, Cow Gap, and Fairlight Cove this summer. Just be sure to check the tide times first! They really are unspoiled spots, breathtakingly beautiful and off the beaten track. Perfect for a holiday in Sussex.
What's your favourite thing about Brighton & Hove?
The sea!
If you had a friend visiting Sussex for the weekend for the first time, what would you recommend they did to get the most out of their visit?
There would definitely be a walk on the itinerary, where depends on the time of year! Taking in some of the aforementioned coves is an essential, as is a walk over Seaford Head Nature Reserve to revel in the glorious views of the Seven Sisters. No trip to Sussex is complete without a pub visit, perhaps The Tiger at East Dean, or one of Lewes’s fabulous spots. Then, if restrictions permit, I would always insist on a visit to the Towner Gallery for some visual treats. If there’s time, I’d fit in a vineyard visit or two; Tickerage is a hidden gem (Zena and Anthony are the perfect hosts), and Rathfinny and Tillingham are also excellent!