Spirits company opens new whisky distillery

Lancaster Spirits Company is to add a single malt whisky to its line-up after investing a seven-figure sum in a new distillery and warehouse.

The company already produces vodka and gin, and is the sister company to Lancaster Brewery which produces beers and ciders.

The expansion has been two years in the planning, with the idea first conceived during the Covid-19 lockdown. With production now under way, bottling will begin in 2027 once the spirit held in casks has aged for the required minimum of three years.

The investment includes a new 3000-litre copper and steel pot-still as well as an array of associated distilling equipment and an extensive bespoke cask racking.

The Whisky Room has been specifically designed and constructed to showcase the production, storage and tasting of whisky with a special area reserved for testing the maturing casks.

Phil Simpson, managing director, said: "We've invested a seven-figure sum to create this new venture for the Lancaster Spirits Company. We first started planning a whisky business during the Covid shutdown and it has taken a few years to realise our dreams.

"A real Lancastrian team effort - our sister company, Lancaster Brewery, will brew a special wash, specifically for the whisky distillery. Lancaster Spirits Co. then takes over with the distilling, maturing and bottling of the whisky. Milling, brewing, fermenting, distilling and maturing - all in one place.

"Earlier this year we spent months interviewing people from across the UK for roles with us and ultimately recruited some excellent locally-based whisky specialists to handle the production and commercial management of the business, individuals who will ensure our whisky is of undeniable quality and the business is expertly managed."

The company has employed Christopher Pateman who will oversee the commercial aspects of the distillery. Christopher is highly accomplished within the whisky industry, with 13 years experience gained across a number of roles, including commercial positions at Annandale and The Lakes distilleries, building a respected reputation for developing quality brands in the process.

In addition, Joan Casals has joined as production manager and will oversee the distillery production operation. Joan has spent many years as a Distiller, working at a number of very successful whisky distilleries including Bankhall Distillery.

Christopher said: "What drew me to the Lancaster Spirits Company was the determination to produce something truly special. Every step of the production process has been thought through to make sure that each drop of spirit produced meets our exacting standards.

"At LSCo, we are dedicated to our craft, drawing water from our very own aquifer hundreds of feet below ground, milling malted barley fresh each day, and using an old live brewing yeast that is unique to us, all to help facilitate our 120+ hours fermentation. I'm genuinely excited about what we are about to do."

Joan added: "Since joining Lancaster Spirits Co. I have been busy commissioning our new distillery and preparing everything needed to commence production this month.

"Our beautiful, shiny new still - Constance - is now up and running, after installing the necessary steam, electrics, and water connections, as well as finalising our production plans. Now I can start to focus on the most important element: ensuring that every drop of spirit coming out of our Whisky Room is superb."