Da Mhile Distillery logo

Dà Mhìle Distillery

Region
  • Llandysul, United Kingdom
Awards
  • Dà Mhìle Seaweed Gin won silver medal at the International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC) 2015in the Flavoured Gin category, Dà Mhìle Seaweed Gin was awarded Silver Medal at the World Gin Awards 2019 in the Contemporary Gin category.
Website
  • http://www.damhile.co.uk/
Phone Number
  • +441239851998
Address
  • Glynhynod Farm, Llandysul SA44 5JY, United Kingdom

Da Mhile Distillery white brick building

History of Dà Mhìle Distillery


The story of Dà Mhìle Distillery begins in 1981, not with spirits, but with cheese. The Savage-Onstwedder family, originally from Holland, arrived in Wales with a vision for a self-sufficient, organic farm. Glynhynod Farm, meaning “Remarkable Valley” in Welsh, became their haven. Patrice’s cheesemaking expertise led to the creation of the award-winning Caws Teifi Cheese, a testament to their commitment to quality and organic practices.

A Gap in the Market: The Birth of Organic Whisky

Ten years after establishing their cheese production, John Savage-Onstwedder recognized a unique opportunity. The market lacked a truly organic whisky, and Dà Mhìle Distillery was born. The name itself, Gaelic for “two thousand,” reflected the initial bottling planned to celebrate the year 2000.

Paving the Way for Welsh Whisky

In 1992, a pivotal moment arrived. Dà Mhìle commissioned Scotland’s renowned Springbank Distillery to produce their first whisky, establishing them as pioneers in organic whisky production. This early venture played a significant role in securing Wales’ designation as a whisky-producing country within the European Union. A second batch followed in 2000, entrusted to Loch Lomond Distillery.

Building a Legacy: The Dà Mhìle Distillery Opens

The dream of a home for Dà Mhìle finally came true in 2012. The official Dà Mhìle Distillery opened its doors on the Glynhynod Farm grounds, with First Minister for Wales Carwyn Jones presiding over the ceremony. This marked a new chapter for the brand, allowing them to control the entire production process and ensure the quality they strived for.

Beyond Whisky: A Celebration of Organic Spirits

Dà Mhìle Distillery’s commitment to organic practices extends beyond whisky. Their product range includes a variety of organic spirits, all inspired by the Welsh surroundings and infused with their environmental ethos. From the intriguing Dark Skies Rum to the unique Seaweed Gin, Dà Mhìle offers a taste of Wales with a focus on quality and innovation.

The Future of Dà Mhìle: A Family Passion

Today, the distillery and farm flourish under the leadership of John-James and Robert Savage-Onstwedder, the sons of the founders. Their dedication to organic principles and artisanal craftsmanship ensures Dà Mhìle’s legacy continues. With a focus on local sales and a commitment to education about organic farming and sustainable practices, Dà Mhìle Distillery remains a pioneer in the Welsh spirits scene.

Awards Won by Dà Mhìle Distillery

Silver Medal at the World Gin Awards 2019: Awarded for Dà Mhìle Seaweed Gin in the Contemporary Gin category.

Silver Medal at the International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC) 2015: Awarded for Dà Mhìle Seaweed Gin in the Flavoured Gin category.

Great Taste Award 2016: Awarded for Dà Mhìle Orange 33 Liqueur.

True Taste Award 2016: Awarded for Dà Mhìle Orange 33 Liqueur​.

Dà Mhìle Distillery Tour Information and Experience

The tour experience at Dà Mhìle Distillery offers a unique and immersive glimpse into the distillery’s operations and products. Located on the picturesque Glynhynod Farm in Llandysul, Ceredigion, Wales, the distillery is renowned for its organic spirits and commitment to sustainability.

Tour Details:

  • Tour Schedule: Tours are available from Monday to Friday, with sessions at midday, 1:30 PM, and 3:00 PM. It’s best to book in advance.
  • Tour Duration: The gin and rum tastings last approximately 45 minutes, while whisky tastings take about an hour.
  • Pricing:
    • Gin & Rum Tasting: £15 per person.
    • Whisky Tasting: £25 per person.
    • Talk, Tasting, and Lunch: £25 per person for gin & rum, £35 per person for whisky. This includes a meal of Welsh rarebit.

Tour Experience:

Visitors begin with a guided tour of the 17th-century gallery, which includes a talk about the history of the farm and the distillery’s operations. Guests can see the still and learn about the distillation process. The tour is followed by tastings of Dà Mhìle’s renowned spirits, paired with locally produced Caws Teifi cheese. After the tour, guests are invited to visit the farm shop, where they can purchase a variety of Dà Mhìle’s spirits and other Welsh products.

Farm Shop:

The farm shop is open from Monday to Saturday, 10 AM to 4 PM, and offers a range of products including Dà Mhìle spirits, Caws Teifi cheese, and Glynhynod organic beef.

Flask & Barrel Review of Dà Mhìle Distillery

I recently visited Dà Mhìle Distillery in Wales, and as a whiskey collector who’s been on many distillery tours, I have to say this place is a gem. I’d rate it a solid 4.7 out of 5.

From the moment I arrived at Glynhynod Farm, the setting itself was impressive. The farm’s rustic charm and the distillery’s dedication to organic production made the whole experience feel authentic and special. The tour kicked off in their 17th-century gallery, where we got an insightful talk about the history of the farm and their journey into distilling. Seeing the still and learning about their distillation process was fascinating.

What really stood out were the tastings. We tried their famous Dà Mhìle Seaweed Gin, which was a unique and delightful experience with its coastal notes. The highlight for me, of course, was the whisky. Their selection is excellent, and you can taste the quality in every sip. The Dà Mhìle Orange 33 Liqueur was another pleasant surprise – rich, flavorful, and perfectly balanced.

The tour lasted just the right amount of time, giving us a thorough understanding without dragging on. Afterwards, we visited the farm shop, which had a great selection of their spirits and local products. It was nice to take home a few bottles to add to my collection.

The only reason I’m not giving a full 5 stars is because of the limited accessibility for disabled visitors and the fact that the tours are only on weekdays. It would be great if they could expand to weekends for those of us with tighter schedules.

Overall, Dà Mhìle Distillery is a must-visit for any whiskey enthusiast. The passion and craftsmanship that goes into their spirits are evident, and it’s a wonderful place to explore and taste some exceptional organic whiskey. I’ll definitely be back!

What To Do Nearby Dà Mhìle Distillery

Cawl Teifi Cheese Shop: Just steps from the distillery itself, you can visit the farm shop that started it all. Sample and purchase the award-winning Caws Teifi cheese, a creamy cheese made from the milk of their own cows. (Distance from distillery: 0 miles)

Cenarth Falls: Take a scenic drive 4 miles east to Cenarth Falls, a cascading waterfall with a viewing platform and nearby trails. Enjoy the beauty of the Teifi Gorge and the surrounding countryside. (Distance from distillery: 4 miles)

Poppit Sands Beach: If you’re looking for a beach day, Poppit Sands Beach is a great option, 9 miles west of the distillery. This vast beach is known for its golden sand, perfect for swimming, building sandcastles, or simply relaxing on the shore. (Distance from distillery: 9 miles)

Cardigan Castle: Explore the ruins of Cardigan Castle, an impressive 12th-century castle located 9 miles southwest of the distillery. Learn about the castle’s rich history and enjoy the panoramic views of the River Teifi. (Distance from distillery: 9 miles)

National Trust – Llanerchaeron: Immerse yourself in history at National Trust – Llanerchaeron, a grand Georgian mansion 11 miles southwest of the distillery. Explore the house and gardens, learn about life in the 18th and 19th centuries, and take in the stunning views of the Welsh countryside. (Distance from distillery: 11 miles)

Frequently Asked Questions

What restaurants are near Dà Mhìle Distillery?

La Calabria: It has a rating of 4.7 stars on Google Maps. Their address is La Calabria, Llandysul, SA44 4NL. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +44 1239 851101.

The Leeky Barrel – Welsh Bistro & Shop: It has a rating of 4.6 stars on Google Maps. Their address is The Leeky Barrel, Rhydlewis, SA44 5SN. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +44 1239 851900.

Daffodil at Penrhiwllan: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. Their address is Daffodil at Penrhiwllan, Llandysul, SA44 5NG. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +44 1239 851275.

What hotels are near Dà Mhìle Distillery?

Old School B & B: It has a rating of 4.8 stars on Google Maps. Their address is Old School B & B, Blaenporth, Cardigan, SA43 2AP. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +44 1239 811601.

Bryn Berwyn Country House Hotel & Ty Henri Cottage: It has a rating of 4.7 stars on Google Maps. Their address is Bryn Berwyn Country House Hotel & Ty Henri Cottage, Tresaith, Cardigan, SA43 2JL. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +44 1239 810227.

Tŷ Mawr Country Hotel and Restaurant: It has a rating of 4.6 stars on Google Maps. Their address is Tŷ Mawr Country Hotel and Restaurant, Brechfa, Carmarthen, SA32 7RA. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +44 1267 202332.