Brewer Adnams to produce hand-crafted spirits
Suffolk brewer Adnams is to install a small distillery at its brewery to produce a range of hand-crafted spirits.
Vodka, gin and whisky are to be produced at the Sole Bay Brewery in Southwold, with the first products due to be released in November.
Chairman Jonathan Adnams said: "Adnams is famous for producing great beers, the distillery is an exciting extension for our brand into hand-crafted spirits market.
"The addition of a small distillery to breweries is not uncommon in mainland Europe, but I believe we will be the first brewery in the UK to brew beer and distil spirits on the same premises.
"Adnams Gin, Vodka and Whisky, to be made from locally grown malted barley will follow a complete process from 'grain to glass' through our brewery and new distillery.
"Following the example of the USA, there is currently a resurgence of consumer interest in high-quality handcrafted spirits and this is a fantastic opportunity for us.
"We are looking forward to Adnams Gin and Vodka on the shelves of our Cellar&Kitchen stores by the middle of November, but it will be a further three years before we see the emergence of the first Adnams Whisky following a three-year maturation in oak casks."
The company has been granted a licence from HM Revenue & Excise to distill and store alcohol at the Sole Bay brewery.
A planning application for a micro distillery at the old brewery Copper House has been submitted. It would include a glazed front, allowing passers by to see inside.
Hand-made equipment is to be fitted from Germany and it will be energy-efficient, with hot water used in the process re-used to wash beer casks.
