The Thread - Tim Warrillow
Quick Fire Questions with Tim Warrillow
Tim Warrillow is best known as the co-founder of Fever-Tree, the premium drinks brand that reshaped the mixer game worldwide. He first met Eldon’s founder, Ann, by chance when they were seated next to each other at a dinner party. A little while later, Ann invited Tim to answer a series of quick-fire questions, giving us a glimpse into his life beyond business: from memorable journeys, favourite tastes and to the colours he’s drawn to in an Eldon scarf.
Most Interesting person you have ever met?
"Sir Adrian Hill has been instrumental in the development of a malaria vaccine — a cause close to my heart given the historic connection between malaria and the quinine in tonic water. He is one of the world’s most celebrated immunologists, also responsible for helping to develop one of the very first Covid-19 vaccines.
His work is nothing short of extraordinary, matched only by the brilliance of his mind. And yet, what makes him truly remarkable is his humility and enthusiasm. He has that rare gift of explaining mind-bending science in such a way that even I could understand it and in doing so, makes the complex both accessible and inspiring."
Most fascinating place you have visited for work?
"The Democratic Republic of the Congo, whether or not it is the most fascinating I've visited, it is certainly the most memorable. I travelled there in search of quinine for our tonic water - derived from the bark of the Fever-Tree. In our research, we discovered that the DRC was home to plantations producing the highest-quality quinine in the world. The challenge, however, was that they were located in one of the most remote and lawless regions imaginable.
To get there, I had to fly from London to Nairobi, Nairobi to Rwanda. Once I arrived in Rwanda, I then had to find a local taxi driver to drive me six hours across the country and that was only to get to the DRC border.
The final five miles to the plantation were short in distance but high in drama. Along the way, I was stopped three times at makeshift armed roadblocks. The first came when a man threw a plank studded with six-inch nails in front of the car. He had an AK-47 slung casually over his shoulder. The second, didn't even bother with the wood and nails; he was already heavily armed. But it was the third encounter that has remained etched in my memory: as I was stopped by a very young man, standing in the road, cradling a rocket launcher. Fortunately, it was all worth it. To this day. we still get all our quinine from these amazing Fever-Tree plantations."
When working, do you dress smart or casual?
"Casually smart is what I strive for but rarely achieve either."
If you were going to learn another language, which would it be?
"I am very embarrassed by my lack of language skills, in fact it is quite pathetic how bad I am, particularly as I travel a lot and deal with people all over the world, a constant reminder of my ineptitude – I keep saying I am going to improve my French, but haven’t got round to it yet!"
Favourite Drink?
"You might not be surprised to hear me say that my drink of choice would have to be a G&T; the perfect combination of bitter, sweet, and gloriously refreshing. But it has to be served correctly: in a large glass to capture all the wonderful aromas, with a fresh bottle of tonic (obviously), and lots and lots of ice - not just to keep it chilled, but to preserve the carbonation. Honestly, just talking about it is making me thirsty!"
Weirdest tasting drink you have tried?
"I love trying new flavours and drinks, one of the joys of travel. However when out selling my wares in China, they presented me with great fanfare a bottle of Baiju (the most popular spirit in China). It is made from fermented grains, this particular bottle was considered very special as it had been aged for a long time to really accentuate the flavours. Wow, it was like drinking off goat's milk – but I had to swallow it whilst desperately trying to keep smiling! "
Favourite Smell?
"Sea air – there’s a smell of the sea that I love and never like to be too far away from."
Favourite Taste?
"Fresh ginger, I have travelled along way to find the best fresh ginger and finally tracked it down in Cochin in Southern India, we use it for our ginger beer. It's very hard to improve on the flavour sensation of biting into really fresh ginger."
What would be your last meal?
“I will save you the full five course menu but it would be a riot of Asian food, from spicy soft shell crab and salmon sashimi, to a fiery hot Indian lamb curry as the centre piece. All washed down with a G&T and then many glasses of traditional old oaky Rioja."
Dog or cat person?
“Dog but not any old dog, Herbie our Cockapoo! Strictly off the bed. But we do have a farm cat which is particularly useful as a rat catcher, but he isn’t even allowed in the house, let alone the bed!”
Ideal weekend ?
"How long have you got! I will keep it short, we spend a lot of time near the coast in the New Forest and there is no question that is my favourite place to spend the weekend. We have four sons and so any weekend involves lots of competitive activity and usually a bit of time on the water. I get very bored with my own company so I am always keen to have people around and usually that provides a good excuse to have lots to eat and drink and occasionally it ends up with singing around the piano! “
Where is your utopia?
"See answer above!"
Favourite Eldon Striped colour combo?
"The red and white is my current favourite but I also have my eye on others."
Best place to wear your scarf?
“Easing around town."