Lancaster Spirits Company, a small craft distillery nestled near the ancient Forest of Bowland, just a short drive from the historic port city of Lancaster, has just made a bold move that’s got the whisky world buzzing. They’ve teamed up with Max McFarlane, a true titan in the whisky industry, to craft their first-ever English single malt whisky, set to hit shelves in 2027. This partnership is a game-changer for the distillery, and it’s clear they’re aiming to create something extraordinary.
Max McFarlane isn’t just any whisky maker. With over 45 years of experience, mostly with the Edrington Group, he’s the mastermind behind some of Scotland’s most iconic brands, like Glengoyne, Famous Grouse, Cutty Sark, Bunnahabhain, and Tamdhu. His career is a highlight reel of awards, including the prestigious Icons of Whisky Scotland Master Blender of the Year. His whiskies have racked up top honors at the World Whiskies Awards and the International Spirits Challenge, earning him a reputation for nailing flavor through expert wood selection and maturation. In 2017, he was named a Keeper of the Quaich, a rare honor that cements his status as one of the industry’s elite.
Image credit: Lancaster Spirits Co.
After retiring from Edrington in 2018, Max didn’t slow down. He went back to his hometown of Inverkip and joined Ardgowan Distillery, where he shaped their wood policy and created standout limited editions like Clydebuilt and Inverdarach. Now, he’s bringing that same expertise to Lancaster Spirits Co., where he’s tasked with defining the flavor, character, and identity of their future whiskies. His role is hands-on: he’ll oversee the distillery’s cask management, monitor maturing stocks, and craft new expressions that reflect the brand’s big ambitions. Max is also developing a short- and long-term strategy to ensure every cask—whether it’s one of the 200 already laid down or future acquisitions—meets the highest standards.
What makes this partnership so exciting is how it aligns with Lancaster Spirits Co.’s old-school approach to whisky-making. Unlike many modern distilleries that lean on automation, this team sticks to traditional methods that are becoming rare. They mill their barley fresh every day, turn the mash by hand, and draw water from their own well. They even use a 200-year-old live brewer’s yeast from their sister brewery, which gives their spirit a unique, complex character packed with fruity esters. This hands-on process, combined with carefully selected English-grown barley, sets the stage for a whisky that’s deeply tied to its Lancaster roots.
Image credit: Lancaster Spirits Co.
Max himself is thrilled about the project. He said he was hooked the moment he met the team and tasted their new-make spirit. “This is a distillery built on real brewing and distilling principles, all about enhancing flavor,” he explained. His focus is on finding the perfect casks—first-fill bourbon, sherry, and wine—to bring out the spirit’s ester-rich, fruity profile. He’s confident Lancaster Spirits Co. will one day be known for its bold, complex whiskies, and he’s already teasing a Founders Reserve release coming soon.
Phil Simpson, the managing director, sees Max’s arrival as a turning point. “We’re all about crafting spirits with a sense of place,” he said. “From the water we use to the barley we pick, every step is deliberate. Max’s deep knowledge of wood maturation and flavor development takes us to the next level. With him on board, we’re not just making a whisky that reflects Lancaster—we’re aiming to compete with the world’s best.” The distillery’s commitment to quality is clear: every element, from grain to glass, is driven by passion and precision.
Christopher Pateman, the commercial manager, echoed that excitement. He praised distillery manager Joan Casals for shaping a spirit with incredible potential and said Max’s job is to take it from great to legendary. “Max is evaluating every cask we’ve filled so far and helping us plan for the future,” Pateman said. “His experience with wood management is unmatched, and he’s ensuring our whiskies will stand out for their quality and character.” The team’s dedication to traditional methods—no shortcuts, no automation—sets them apart in an industry where efficiency often trumps craft.
Image credit: Lancaster Spirits Co.
The past year has been huge for Lancaster Spirits Co. They’ve laid down over 200 casks and secured extra warehousing to support their growing stock. More details on that expansion are coming later this year, signaling big plans for the future. As they gear up for their 2027 launch, they’re building a team that’s all about vision and skill. Max’s expertise is the cherry on top of a process that’s been carefully designed to produce something truly special.
For whisky lovers eager to get a taste of what’s coming, Lancaster Spirits Co. is already inviting folks to join their Founders’ Reserve Whisky Club for exclusive first access to releases. They’re also opening their doors for distillery tours, giving visitors a chance to see the magic happen up close. You can check out more details at lancasterspirits.co.uk.
This partnership with Max McFarlane isn’t just about making whisky—it’s about putting Lancaster on the map as a serious player in the global whisky scene. With a legend like Max at the helm, the distillery’s inaugural single malt is shaping up to be something worth waiting for.
