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Adnams branches out into spirits
Adnams has broadened its horizons beyond beer and begun distilling its own small-batch spirits.
The Suffolk brewer has launched a small-scale distillery on the same site as its Sole Bay Brewery.
The new operation, housed in the old Adnams brewery Copper House, will make vodka, gin and whiskey using handmade copper distilling equipment made by Carl of Germany, a family company whose experience in manufacturing distilleries stretches back 135 years – just three years short of Adnams’ own 138-year past.
Chairman Jonathan Adnams OBE said: “We have been brewing great beers in Southwold since 1872, and our business now incorporates five hotels, 70 pubs, and 10 Adnams Cellar & Kitchen stores.
"Hand crafted spirits are the next exciting step in our journey and we are proud to add distilling to our expertise.
“Small scale distillation produces spirits of a quality and character that far surpass mass-produced products. The addition of a small distillery to breweries is not uncommon in mainland Europe, but I believe we are the first brewery in the UK to brew beer and distil spirits on the same premises.”
In keeping with Adnams commitment to the environment, the hot water by-product from the distillation process will be reused to wash casks in the main Adnams brewery while waste from the distilling process will be converted into renewable gas.
Gin and vodka are now on sale in Adnams Cellar & Kitchen stores as well as online via the Adnams website.
Ben McFarland, 26.11.2010
I was in Southwold a couple of weekends ago. I was privileged to sample the new Adnams gin in the back bar of the Crown – which I took with tonic and cucumber. It was absolutely delicious, a really unique, fresh and juniper-berry strong flavour. I converted quite a few of my fellow drinkers to cucumber instead of lime. Both work well with this gin, however. The new copper branding on the label looks very classy and reminiscent of the copper tanks at the brewery, which are clearly visible from the street. Altogether a great new venture for Adnams.