Adnams launches own spirits range from custom-built distillery

Suffolk brewer Adnams has officially unveiled its distillery - which will be producing vodka, gin, and eventually, whisky.

The company believes it the first brewer in the country to establish its own distillery.

The new site, which cost around £650,000, has been set up at the old Adnams brewery Copper House, part of its Sole Bay Brewery, in Southwold.

The complete production process - from grain to glass - will be undertaken at the distillery, the company said.

Jonathan Adnams, the company's chairman, said he regarded branching out into spirits as "a normal, natural progression" for Adnams.

"Hand crafted spirits are the next exciting step in our journey and we are proud to add distilling to our expertise," he said.

"The addition of a small distillery to breweries is not uncommon in mainland Europe, but I believe we are the first brewery in the UK to brew beer and distill spirits on the same premises."

Two brands of Adnams Copper House gin and three types of vodka have been released - and are on sale at Adnams Cellar and Kitchen stores and on its website. The products will also be made available to its pubs and freetraders.

Its whisky is due to be available after a three-year maturation process in oak casks.

An in-depth interview with Jonathan Adnams, discussing the thinking behind the new distillery and more will be available this week on thepublican.com - and in next week's Publican.