Lancaster Spirits Company has embarked on an exciting new venture by opening a state-of-the-art whisky distillery, dubbed the Whisky Room, at Lancaster Leisure Park in Northwest England. This new development aims to produce the company’s first single malt whisky, marking a significant milestone in its history. The project, which took two years to design and build, was made possible through a substantial seven-figure investment, although the exact amount remains undisclosed.
Image credit: Lancaster Spirits Company
The Whisky Room is equipped with a 3000-litre copper and steel pot still, affectionately named Constance, and an array of advanced distilling equipment. The facility also features bespoke cask racking systems. It has been meticulously designed not just for production and storage but also to offer a comprehensive visitor experience. Guests will be able to see the entire whisky-making process, from milling and brewing to fermenting, distilling, maturing, and finally tasting. A special area has been designated for testing the maturing casks, emphasizing the company's commitment to quality and transparency.
Phil Simpson, the managing director of Lancaster Spirits Company, reflected on the journey that led to the creation of the Whisky Room. The idea for the distillery was born during the Covid-19 shutdown, and despite the challenges, the company’s dedication and teamwork have brought this dream to fruition. Simpson emphasized that this project was a true Lancastrian effort, involving close collaboration with their sister company, Lancaster Brewery. The brewery will produce a special wash specifically for the whisky distillery, ensuring that the entire process, from milling to maturing, is handled in-house.
Simpson also highlighted the importance of having the right team in place to manage the new venture. To that end, Lancaster Spirits Company has recruited two seasoned professionals to oversee the distillery’s operations. Christopher Pateman, who has 13 years of experience in the whisky industry, has been appointed as the commercial manager. Pateman has previously held roles at Annandale Distillery in Scotland and The Lakes Distillery in Cumbria, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the team. Joan Casals has joined as the production manager. Casals, who has worked at several whisky distilleries, including Halewood Artisanal Spirits-owned Bankhall in Blackpool, is responsible for ensuring the quality of the whisky produced.
Pateman expressed his enthusiasm for joining Lancaster Spirits Company, drawn by the company’s commitment to excellence. He noted that every step of the production process has been carefully planned to ensure the highest quality of whisky. The distillery uses water from its own aquifer, mills malted barley fresh each day, and utilizes a unique old live brewing yeast to facilitate an extensive fermentation period of over 120 hours. Pateman is excited about the potential and quality of the whisky they will produce.
Casals has been equally busy, focusing on commissioning the new distillery and preparing for production. She has ensured that all the necessary steam, electrical, and water connections are in place and has finalized the production plans. With Constance now up and running, Casals is concentrating on the most critical aspect of her role: ensuring that every drop of spirit produced meets their high standards.
The Whisky Room officially began production on July 8, 2024. However, whisky enthusiasts will need to wait until 2027 for the first bottlings, as the spirit must age for a minimum of three years in casks before it can be considered whisky. In the meantime, Lancaster Spirits Company has launched the Cask Collective, a program for private cask purchasers, and will soon introduce the Founders Reserve, an exclusive bottle club. These initiatives offer whisky aficionados a unique opportunity to be part of the distillery’s journey from the very beginning.
Additionally, the company plans to start offering distillery tours later in 2024. These tours will provide visitors with a behind-the-scenes look at the whisky-making process, from the raw ingredients to the finished product. It’s a chance to learn about the craftsmanship and dedication that goes into making each batch of Lancaster’s single malt whisky.
Lancaster Spirits Company, which already produces gin and vodka, is thrilled to expand its portfolio with the addition of single malt whisky. The new distillery represents not only a significant investment in the company’s future but also a commitment to maintaining the high standards for which Lancaster Spirits is known. With its first single malt set to debut in 2027, the company is poised to make a lasting impact on the whisky industry and offer something truly special to whisky lovers everywhere.
