Lancaster distillery launches first two products

After a year and a half in development, The Lancaster Spirits Company has launched its first two products: a limited run gin and vodka.

The company is housed alongside the long-established and award-winning Lancaster Brewery, which has provided ingredients for the English Grain Vodka and Firecracker Gin. 

Taking an unusual approach, the base grain spirit has been created by distilling from its own specially concocted beer. The distillers also used a secret blend of wheat and rye grains, a 200-year-old Lancastrian live yeast and water drawn from an artesian well.

The design of the bottle is based on a 19th century Lancaster-based brewery (Yates & Jackson) beer bottle, modified to allow space for the label and etched with the distillery's name.

Both the Firecracker Gin and English Grain Vodka, are 40 per cent ABV, and are available in 70cl and 50cl bottles.

Phil Simpson, managing director of The Lancaster Spirits Company, said: "We’ve taken our time to get our spirits right. Eighteen months of recipe tweaks, plant investment, trials and blind tastings to create a gin and a vodka that exceed our stringent quality standards.

"Every ingredient has been chosen with balance and harmony in mind. We are sure our customers will appreciate the great lengths we’ve gone to ensure the unique provenance of every element of the spirits we craft.’’

Gerard Evans, The Lancaster Spirits Company’s consultant distiller and non-exec director, said: "By producing our spirits on such a small scale, we are able to give every batch our undivided attention. We believe that drinkers will appreciate the enormous efforts and care that goes into every Lancaster Spirits Company bottle."

Both limited release products are available to purchase online or direct through Lancaster Brewery outlets.