Our March 2025 distillery focus takes us to the English/Welsh border and Henstone Distillery.
What makes your whisky (and distillery) unique within the English whisky sphere?
"From the beginning, we've prided ourselves on being early adopters in the English whisky scene, becoming the 14th distillery in 2016. Our relatively small size allows us to be flexible and creative, which is reflected in the variety of products we offer. This dynamic approach has earned us a respected spot among whisky enthusiasts and festival-goers alike."
What is the achievement that you are most proud of?
"Reflecting on our journey, there are many achievements I'm proud of, but the past 12 months has been particularly special. We successfully restructured our company and moved from an industrial estate to a beautiful 96-acre farm on the English/Welsh border. This move, entirely planned and executed by our dedicated team of four, involved dismantling, relocating, and rebuilding our beloved still, Hilda. All the while continuing to meet customer demand—a true testament to our team's determination and skill!"
What do you think will be the biggest challenge for English whisky in 2025 and beyond?
"Focusing on 2025 and beyond, I foresee several challenges for English whisky. The broader economic headwinds affecting the UK food and drink industry will undoubtedly impact us as well. However, these challenges also present opportunities for innovation and growth. By staying adaptable and focusing on quality, we can continue to thrive and bring exciting new products to our customers."
Longer term – how do you assess the future for English whisky?
"I'm optimistic about the future of English whisky. English whiskies have been named ‘World’s Best Single Malt’ at the World Whisky Awards for two of the past three years, triumphing against extremely stiff competition, including Scotch. This recognition underscores the exceptional quality and craftsmanship of English whisky. The category has gained significant respect, and I'm excited for Henstone to be part of this thriving and growing community."
2025 Fun Fact
"Our creativity isn't limited to whisky. In 2024 the distillery was featured on BBC Breakfast for crafting The Next Step Gin to celebrate The New Saints of Oswestry (TNS) progressing to the UEFA Conference League Group Stage in the 2024/25 season. This is the first time ever that a club from the Welsh (Cymru) League has achieved this milestone—what an achievement! The first batch sold out so quickly that we decided to make a second. This special gin is a testament to our innovative spirit and community involvement."
