Carmen O’Neal Biography: Wikipedia, Age, Career, Cocktail, Family, Net Worth, Instagram

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Carmen O’Neal Biography

Carmen O’Neal, also known as “Cocktail Carmen,” is a Canadian-born spirit expert, TV personality, and the founder of the 58 and CO Distillery, based in London. She has made significant contributions to the beverage industry, particularly through her award-winning spirits and her dedication to sustainability and female-led businesses.

O’Neal’s journey into the world of spirits is quite unique. After an early career in makeup artistry and bespoke shoe design, she turned to distillation following a life-changing accident. This led her to create her first gin recipe, which eventually grew into the successful 58 and CO Distillery. The distillery has been recognized for its commitment to sustainability, earning B Corp status, making it the first female-founded alcohol brand in the UK to achieve this certification.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Carmen’s distillery was one of the first in the UK to pivot to hand sanitizer production, supplying critical services such as the NHS and the Met Police. Her innovative approach and leadership earned her the title of “Woman of the Year” at The Drinks Business Awards in 2021.

Carmen O’Neal continues to be a leading figure in the drinks industry, known for her creativity, commitment to ethical practices, and her ability to inspire others, particularly women in the industry. Her work extends beyond distillation, as she regularly appears on TV, including BBC’s Saturday Kitchen, where she shares her expertise with a broader audience.

Carmen O’Neal Age

Carmen O’Neal is 35 years old as of 2024.

Carmen O’Neal Educational Background

Carmen O’Neal pursued her higher education in London, where she attended the London University of Arts. She moved to London after her early career in Canada, where she initially worked as a celebrity and bridal makeup artist and later ventured into designing bespoke wedding shoes.

Carmen O’Neal Career

Carmen O’Neal began her career in the beauty industry as a celebrity and bridal makeup artist. However, her professional journey took a significant turn after she suffered a severe accident that left her unable to continue in her original field. This setback led her to explore a new passion—gin distillation. What started as a small-scale hobby, experimenting with botanicals on a 2-liter still, soon evolved into a full-fledged business that would redefine her career.

In 2019, Carmen founded 58 and CO Distillery in London, a venture that quickly gained recognition for its dedication to quality and sustainable practices. The distillery, housed in an archway in Haggerston, became known for its London Dry Gin, which Carmen perfected after 58 different recipes. The space not only served as a production facility but also became a popular venue for gin schools, tastings, and private events. Carmen’s entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to her craft were evident as the distillery grew in both size and reputation.

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2020, Carmen displayed remarkable agility by pivoting 58 and CO’s production from gin to hand sanitizer. This quick adaptation allowed her to supply essential services like the NHS and the Met Police during a critical time. Producing 50,000 bottles of hand sanitizer, Carmen’s efforts were widely recognized, reinforcing her position as a leader in the industry and highlighting her business acumen in times of crisis.

Under Carmen’s leadership, 58 and CO achieved a major milestone in 2021 by becoming the first female-founded alcohol brand in the UK to earn B Corp status. This certification was a testament to the distillery’s high standards of social and environmental impact. Carmen integrated sustainability into every aspect of the business, from using solar panels to power the distillery to creating labels from discarded grape skins. This commitment to ethical practices further distinguished 58 and CO as a pioneering brand in the spirits industry.

Carmen’s contributions to the industry have been recognized not just through certifications but also through awards. In 2021, she was named “Woman of the Year” at The Drinks Business Awards, a prestigious accolade that acknowledged her innovative approach and leadership, especially during challenging times. Her expertise in cocktails and spirits, combined with her engaging personality, has also made her a regular on TV shows like *Saturday Kitchen*, where she shares her knowledge with a wider audience.

Today, Carmen continues to expand her brand, with 58 and CO Distillery introducing new products and maintaining its focus on sustainability. The CO-LAB Series, featuring innovative, limited-edition spirits, reflects Carmen’s ongoing commitment to creativity and quality. Her journey from makeup artist to successful distillery owner is a powerful narrative of resilience, innovation, and leadership, ensuring her lasting impact on the spirits industry.

Carmen O’Neal Husband

As of now, Carmen O’Neal is unmarried and does not have children.

Carmen O’Neal Net Worth

Carmen O’Neal’s net worth is not publicly disclosed.

Carmen O’Neal Instagram Presence

Carmen O’Neal, also known as “Cocktail Carmen,” is active on Instagram where she shares insights into her life, work at 58 and CO Distillery, and her passion for cocktails and spirits. Her Instagram handle is @cocktail.carmen.

FAQs

Who is Carmen O’Neal?

Carmen O’Neal, also known as “Cocktail Carmen,” is a Canadian-born spirit expert, TV personality, and founder of 58 and CO Distillery in London. She is known for her expertise in cocktails and her commitment to sustainability.

What is Carmen O’Neal known for?

Carmen is known for founding 58 and CO Distillery, the first female-founded alcohol brand in the UK to achieve B Corp status. She is also a regular on TV shows like Saturday Kitchen, where she shares her cocktail expertise.

Where is Carmen O’Neal from?

Carmen O’Neal was born and raised in Canada but later moved to London, where she established her distillery.

What is 58 and CO Distillery?

58 and CO Distillery is an award-winning distillery founded by Carmen O’Neal in 2019. It produces a range of spirits, including London Dry Gin, and is known for its sustainable practices.

How did Carmen O’Neal start her career in spirits?

Carmen began her career in spirits after a life-changing accident ended her previous work in bespoke shoe design. She turned to gin distillation, which eventually led to the founding of 58 and CO Distillery.

What awards has Carmen O’Neal received?

Carmen O’Neal was named “Woman of the Year” at The Drinks Business Awards in 2021 for her leadership and innovative approach in the spirits industry.

Is Carmen O’Neal involved in any sustainability initiatives?

Yes, Carmen is deeply committed to sustainability. Her distillery, 58 and CO, uses solar panels, recycled glass bottles, and eco-friendly labels. The distillery also became a B Corp, reflecting its high social and environmental standards.

What TV shows does Carmen O’Neal appear on?

Carmen is a regular guest on Saturday Kitchen, where she showcases her cocktail-making skills and shares her knowledge of spirits with a wider audience.