Nestled in the heart of Cheshire, Weetwood Distillery stands as a testament to the growing wave of English craft spirits. Known for its commitment to quality, Weetwood combines traditional techniques with innovative approaches to produce premium gin, vodka, and whisky. A family owned and run brewery since 1992, they began distilling in 2018, quickly earning a reputation for creating distinctive and authentic spirits that highlight the character of the local area.
A Promise Of Sweetness
Roots in Cheshire
Weetwood Distillery was born from a love for high-quality spirits and local craft. Set in the beautiful countryside near Tarporley, Cheshire, Weetwood Distillery is not just a place to make alcohol but a place to celebrate the heritage and landscape of Cheshire. The surrounding lush, rural landscape and Weetwood’s agricultural focus provide inspiration and many ingredients for their range, with every aspect of the production process - mashing fermenting, distilling, maturing, finishing and bottling - all being done on site. Weetwood keeps its production small and closely managed, ensuring that every bottle is crafted with the utmost attention to detail.
The Process
The entire whisky-making process takes places on their site in the heart of Cheshire, using English malted barley that is mashed with soft Cheshire water and pitch yeast for a slow fermentation. The resulting 8% ABV wash is then slowly double distilled in a flame-fired, 400-ltr copper pot still. This is then cut with more deliciously soft Cheshire water, before being matured on site.
Utilising expert coopers, they have Ex-Bourbon, American oak casks remade in to quarter casks, which allows for more wood to fluid contact and increases the rate at which flavours are transferred to the spirit. These are also shave, Toasted and re-charred (STR) to their own specifications to release even more flavours and they then store the casks in different environments to allow for the seasons to impact on the maturation. This means the Angels take a bigger share, but the character of the spirit is worth it...
Sustainable and Local
Sustainability is at the core of Weetwood’s operations, from sourcing local ingredients to using eco-friendly packaging, the distillery is dedicated to minimising its environmental footprint. They have solar panels that provide the majority of their energy needs and use zero carbon electricity for the rest. Grains in their distilling processes are sourced locally, reducing the impact of transportation and supporting Cheshire farmers, and leftover grains are donated to local farmers to be used as livestock feed, creating a sustainable cycle. The glass bottles, casks and packaging are all recycled and recyclable.
The Weetwood team is also committed to transparency and quality. Each batch of spirits is distilled and bottled on-site, allowing visitors to see every stage of the process. Weetwood Distillery often hosts tours and tastings, inviting the public to experience firsthand the artistry behind their products. You can also drop in to the Tap Room and enjoy their range of beers and spirits, along with enjoying some amazing food on Thursdays!
A Range of Unique Spirits
Gin - Weetwood Gin, a staple in their lineup, is distilled using a blend of 13 botanicals, which includes traditional juniper alongside locally inspired ingredients such as heather and rowan berries. This combination brings a distinctly fresh and floral profile, with a smooth finish that has made it popular among gin enthusiasts.
Vodka - Their vodka, a newer addition to the collection, stands out for its clarity and purity. Distilled with English wheat, Weetwood Vodka has a silky texture and a delicate, clean taste. It’s ideal for cocktails but smooth enough to be enjoyed neat, reflecting the skill of their distillers and their commitment to quality ingredients.
Whisky - is where Weetwood Distillery’s ambition shines through and reflects on the history of evolution, respecting the tradition of whisky making and using it as inspiration. Although a relatively new distillery, Weetwood has already begun laying down casks for ageing. While the initial whisky releases have been limited, each one carries the Weetwood promise of authenticity and quality, appealing to collectors and enthusiasts alike who are looking forward to experiencing Weetwood's take on English whisky as it matures.
The Cheshire Single Malt English Whisky - matured in Ex-Bourbon American Oak STR Quarter Casks and finished in European Oak casks to capture flavours of creamy malt, orchard fruits, toasted nuts and spice.
IPA Cask Special Edition - Using their most full-flavoured beer, they let it sit in casks, before
emptying and filling with finishing whisky, adding flavours of zesty citrus and tropical fruits,
sweet biscuit and creamy vanilla.
The Future of Weetwood Distillery
As Weetwood Distillery grows, so does its reputation as a leading force in the English spirits industry. They have already made significant strides in establishing their products across Cheshire and beyond. In the coming years, the team at Weetwood plans to expand their whisky offerings as more aged batches reach maturity, adding yet another dimension to their craft.
If you want to learn more about Weetwood beers and other spirits, or to arrange a tour or trip to the Tap Room, then visit them at https://www.weetwoodales.co.uk/
We have the wonderful The Cheshire Single Malt now in The Shop, so grab yourself a bottle, whilst stocks last and use code CHESHIRE5 at the Checkout to get £5 off...
Or get on our socials and be in with a chance of winning a sample and branded t-shirt... Cheers!
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