Bex Almqvist is the Founder and Master Distiller of ‘Almqvist Destilleri’, which she launched in 2022 following 20 years of experience in the drinks industry. Over this period, Bex has become a leading light at the cutting edge of the creative cocktails and spirits world, having worked her way up from bartender to now brand owner. Beginning her bartending career in London at eighteen, Bex was a prominent figure in the thriving cocktail scene of the 2000s in London with her first position at the renowned hotspot the Long Bar at The Sanderson Hotel. Bex then quickly progressed to Bar Manager of the cutting-edge celebrity hangout The Lonsdale House in West London. Throughout her time bartending, her determination and drive led her to win a multitude of awards and cocktail competitions, before taking the next step in her career with a transition from behind the bar to the boardroom. In 2013, Bex joined the team at Absolut Vodka as Global Ambassador and Consultant before moving on to Global Brand Manager for Brand Advocacy and Trade Experiences for the on trade in 2014. In 2017 she was promoted to Global Marketing Manager for Brand Advocacy and Trade Experiences on Trade. Her knowledge of what consumers want, and bartenders need, made her an essential asset to the team, with her role taking her around the world where she gained a unique understanding of the worldwide drinks scene as well as a host of influential global connections. During her travels, she embraced presenting at a host of international events including Bar Convent Berlin, London Cocktail Week and Tales of the Cocktails Spirited Awards, where she was also selected as judge and committee member. Throughout her time travelling the globe, Bex also worked closely with her home-country with Absolut Distillery and Akademi, which led her to return to Sweden in 2013 to begin founding her own distillery. Setting up the distillery in a historic glass works in Rejmyre, Almqvist Destilleri has two core products, tradition Swedish Aquavit and Nordic gin, whilst also producing white label products for the world’s best bars.