Oliver Pinel
Spirits Buyer (3 years)
I was born in Jersey and am the eldest son of Managing Director Neil and Website & Marketing Manager Jane Pinel. I had the pleasure of working at Dunell’s on odd-jobs whilst growing up, ranging from seasonal work on the shopfloor to working part-time with the team at Dunell’s Warehouse.
I have now been working full-time at Dunell's for three years. I have a huge passion for the spirits market and having gained my WSET level 2 in Wines and level 3 in Spirits with a Merit, I am now the Spirits Buyer.
What is your role?
Gorey Shop Manager & Spirits Buyer
What are some of your interests outside work?
Outside of work I run the Instagram account @thespiritofbeaumontjsy, where I review and recommend my absolute favourite wines and whiskies. I have a huge passion for spirits so documenting my journey and helping educate those around me is a big part of my life. Further, I enjoy photography, playing darts and watching Formula 1 (I haven’t missed a race since the start of the 2019 season!)
If you could be served any food/dish, what would it be?
Roast lamb, yorkshires, honey glazed carrots and parsnips, swede mash, roast potatoes, gravy and cranberry jelly. Easy answer...
What do you like about working for Dunell’s?
Working for a family business feels incredibly special to me, especially being 5th in a generation of wines & spirits lovers with passion as the driving force behind what we do. Despite my isolation out at Gorey, the banter with colleagues is brilliant, I love popping by to say hello on my way to work and laughing with the staff. I also love the opportunity Dunell's has provided me this year, having enrolled me on 3 WSET courses and provided me the opportunity to work at The Whisky Exchange in Fitzrovia for work experience!
What is your most diverse achievement?
Camera in hand and whilst pouring with rain I headed to the harbour to capture the French Fishing Blockade 2021. I was very fortunate that one of my images of the French protestors was picked up by 7 major newspapers and landed slap-bang on the front page the morning-after. I ended up published in the Yorkshire Post, the Daily Mail, the Financial Times, The Daily Telegraph, The Times, the Jersey Evening Post and the Independent. The whole shebang led to me being interviewed by the late Gary Burgess and appearing on ITV Channel TV!
Which are your most favoured wines and spirits?
Having been in the business for over a year, my knowledge and preferences have become more refined over time. Presently below are 3 of my favourite wines and 3 of my favourite spirits!
