Durham Distillery confirms whisky production to start this year

By Lisa Riley

Published: 03 January, 2018

Craft distillery Durham has confirmed it is to start whisky production this year.

The distillery, which revealed it was to make its first foray into whisky in September 2017 following a £250,000 investment from the Finance Durham fund, said production would start later this year when its relocation to Durham’s city centre had been completed.

Those “keen to be part of whisky history” – Durham claims the whisky will be the first to be produced in the North East, could now sign up to reserve a Founder’s Cask from the first whisky run, as well as cases and bottles, said owner Jon Chadwick, adding those would be ready to drink in 2021.

“We are gearing up for what will be a huge year for the business, moving from the outskirts of Durham to larger city centre premises to begin producing the first whisky to be made in this region,” he said.

In addition to allowing Durham to move into whisky, the new facilities would enable the producer to increase production of its gin and vodka, added Chadwick.

“Since launching our gin and vodka in 2014, we’ve have really honed our craft and have established out spirits widely, seeing them positioned on shelves in stores and venues next to brands which have been around for decades,” he said.

The investment into Durham was the first deal from a £20 million fund set up by Business Durham, part of Durham County Council.

It is managed by Maven Capital Partners, the private equity house and SME finance provider, to support the growth of high potential businesses located in, or looking to relocate to the county.

Michael Vassallo, investment director at Maven, said: “This is an exciting business consisting of driven and passionate individuals, with a product tailored to an increasing market demand.”

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