Adnams set to launch spirits range

Suffolk brewer Adnams is to set to launch a range of hand-crafted spirits later this month, including vodka, gin and whisky.

Suffolk brewer Adnams is to set to launch a range of hand-crafted spirits later this month.

The company was granted a licence to distill earlier this year and will launch a range of "artisan hand-crafted spirit, distilled at its Copper House distillery, in the middle of this month.

Vodka, gin and whisky are to be produced at the Sole Bay Brewery in Southwold.

Chairman Jonathan Adnams said earlier this year: "Adnams is famous for producing great beers, the distillery is an exciting extension for our brand into hand-crafted spirits market.

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

"Adnams Gin, Vodka and Whisky, to be made from locally grown malted barley will follow a complete process from 'grain to glass' through our brewery and new distillery.

"Following the example of the USA, there is currently a resurgence of consumer interest in high-quality handcrafted spirits and this is a fantastic opportunity for us.

"We are looking forward to Adnams Gin and Vodka on the shelves of our Cellar&Kitchen stores by the middle of November, but it will be a further three years before we see the emergence of the first Adnams Whisky following a three-year maturation in oak casks."

The company has been granted a licence from HM Revenue & Excise to distill and store alcohol at the Sole Bay brewery.