How Coral Reynolds Turned Project Management Skills into a Global Spirits Brand!
Every great creation begins with structure. Architects rely on blueprints, builders on foundations, and managers on careful planning. Without order, even the most ambitious projects collapse. For Coral Reynolds, that truth shaped her first career in construction project management; and later became the backbone of her unexpected leap into the world of spirits.
In 2018, Coral’s curiosity led her to purchase a 25-litre still. What began as small experiments soon became a disciplined pursuit. Each recipe was treated like a project: tested, refined, improved. Friends and family became the first critics, offering feedback that helped her shape vodka recipes with remarkable smoothness. The same patience and process that once guided construction timelines now guided the delicate art of distilling.
Growth demanded more than passion. Moving from a 25-litre still to 200 and then 400 required a builder’s mindset. Equipment had to be scaled, systems tightened, and resources aligned. Coral’s background meant she understood how to manage risk, timelines, and expansion without losing sight of quality. The structure she once brought to construction now laid the groundwork for Grand Matriarch Distilling.
While many small distilleries leaned into tourism and on-site experiences, Coral kept her focus sharp. She wanted her vodka to travel further, to reach international shelves, to carry the reputation of precision and craft. By presenting at fairs in Hong Kong and China, she introduced her spirits to new audiences while proving that regional production could compete on a global scale.
When the pandemic struck, Coral strengthened her foundation at home. She offered local discounts, deepened community ties, and refined production methods. These decisions helped the Grand Matriarch not just endure but emerge stronger, ready for the world stage.
The recognition came swiftly. In 2022, Grand Matriarch Distilling won gold at the World Vodka Awards. For Coral, it was confirmation that her vision was not only achievable but celebrated.
From building sites to distilling halls, her journey shows that structure and creativity are not opposites. Together, they create something lasting. Grand Matriarch is proof that when discipline meets daring, extraordinary futures are built, one project and one spirit, at a time.
A Shift From Buildings to Bottles
Coral Reynolds began her career managing large-scale construction projects. That foundation in project management shaped her mindset: precise, detail-oriented, and skilled at navigating uncertainty. Her fascination with the Tasmanian Whiskey Trail sparked interest in spirits, but she chose vodka as her entry point. In 2018, she acquired a 25-liter still, using it as a small experimental lab.
She refined recipes with feedback from family and friends, turning a hobby into a serious pursuit. That early phase taught lessons in flavour, small-scale production, and the importance of process. Moving from a 25-liter still to a 200-liter unit, and later two 400-liter stills, introduced operational complexity.
These transitions required investment and a new mindset: scaling production, managing operations, and planning logistics. Her construction experience proved invaluable, as systems thinking, foresight, and risk assessment were applied directly to distilling operations.
Building Quality and Innovation as Cornerstones
Coral consistently focused on producing exceptional spirits rather than relying on trends or tourism. Quality guided every decision, ensuring each flavour, Espresso, Vanilla, Butterscotch, Kiwifruit, Mango, Passionfruit, Pineapple, Berry, Spiced Apple, underwent rigorous testing and refinement.
Innovation was rooted in method, involving repeated trials, adjustments, and trusting feedback. She refined flavours until they were smooth, enjoyable, and consistent. Innovation also meant scaling responsibly, expanding equipment, processes, and infrastructure thoughtfully.
Coral invested in production and export pathways, viewing the distillery as more than a local attraction. This dedication to product excellence distinguished Grand Matriarch from others in the field.
Global Reach Over Guest Doors
Unlike many distilleries that emphasize hospitality, Coral prioritized global expansion over local showrooms. She exhibited at international events such as the Hong Kong International Wine and Spirits Fair, Kempinski Aftertaste, and the China Food and Drinks Fair in Chengdu in 2025.
These platforms showcased her spirits to international buyers, built export pipelines, and validated the brand. Her son serves as the company director in China, overseeing marketing and strategy, reinforcing the global focus.
For Coral, legacy means crafting a brand that extends far beyond its local roots, balancing family, community, and home with international opportunity.
Making the Most of Crisis Moments
The COVID-19 pandemic challenged many businesses, but Coral approached it differently. With a young business and manageable operations, she turned the disruption into an opportunity to refine production and deepen engagement with the local market.
Discounts and community support strengthened loyalty. Lockdowns allowed her to polish operations, tighten systems, and plan for growth. Early mistakes, such as premature equipment purchases, became learning experiences.
Project management instincts helped set ambitious targets and achieve them despite uncertainty. Resilience during a crisis became a cornerstone of the business.
Recognition That Validates the Journey
International awards affirmed Coral’s approach. In 2022, Grand Matriarch earned a gold medal at the World Vodka Awards, demonstrating that a small distillery could compete with established global brands. This recognition opened market opportunities and strengthened negotiating power.
It affirmed that her dedication to flavour, production excellence, consistency, and brand integrity aligned with industry standards. Awards also boosted team morale and reinforced the value of persistence, discipline, and humility.
Leadership Roots: Humility, Family, Lifelong Learning
Coral approaches leadership with humility and collaboration rather than command. Her son is a strategic partner, and the business aims to create a legacy for future generations. She emphasizes continuous learning across marketing, operations, regulatory requirements, taste, and export logistics.
Collaboration with industry peers fosters strength through open conversation. This approach moderates pride, encourages adaptability, and enables corrective action when needed.
The Price of Ambition: Mistakes, Trade-offs, Choices
Ambition brought trade-offs. Early mistakes included acquiring equipment before production or sales warranted it. Scaling increased regulatory and logistical complexity and required careful decision-making. Financial pressures, international market uncertainties, and family-business dynamics added to challenges.Â
Coral’s project management skills helped set phased targets and conduct risk assessments. Her journey demonstrates that measured progress, learning from errors, and recalibration are as important as success itself.
Vision for the Future
Coral envisions Grand Matriarch as a brand bridging generations. Expansion in Asia and other markets is planned thoughtfully, with family strategically involved. She seeks to convey integrity, innovation, and a maker’s story alongside quality vodka. Sustainable scaling, export growth, and refined product lines define the future.Â
Yet she remains grounded, enjoying nature, family, and simple daily pleasures in Bega Valley. Her journey illustrates how determination, clarity, risk management, and persistence can transform one professional path into another, creating not only financial success but a meaningful legacy. Coral’s story is unfolding, yet already impressive.
