Henstone Distillery Ltd
History of Henstone Distillery Ltd
Henstone Distillery Ltd, located in Shropshire, England, was established in 2017 by Chris and Shane Parr-Jones, along with Alex and Chris Timmins, who are the owners of Stonehouse Brewery. The founders were inspired by their passion for high-quality spirits and their desire to diversify their offerings from the successful brewery operations.
Distillery Setup and Expansion
The distillery is equipped with a custom-made 1,000-liter copper pot still, affectionately named Hilda. The still was manufactured by Kothe Distilling Technologies, a well-respected German company known for its craftsmanship. Since its inception, Henstone Distillery has focused on producing a range of spirits, including whiskey, gin, vodka, and apple brandy, with an emphasis on quality and traditional methods.
Whiskey Offerings
Henstone Distillery produces several types of whiskey, each with distinct characteristics:
- Single Malt Whiskey: This whiskey is crafted using malted barley and aged in various casks, including bourbon, sherry, and port casks, which impart unique flavors to the spirit.
- Bourbon-Style Whiskey: Made from a blend of corn, rye, and malted barley, this whiskey is aged in new American oak barrels, giving it a rich and complex profile.
- Rye Whiskey: This offering highlights the spicy and robust flavors typical of rye, aged in oak casks to develop its distinctive taste.
Awards Won by Henstone Distillery
Distillery of the Year 2020 – Henstone Distillery was named “Distillery of the Year” at The Gin Guide Awards 2020. They also won in the London Dry Gin, Traditional Gin, and Aged Gin categories.
Best in Britain 2020 – Henstone’s London Dry Gin was awarded “Best in Britain 2020” in The Gin Guide Awards.
Navy Gin Supplier of the Year 2021 – Henstone Distillery won the “Navy Gin Supplier of the Year 2021” at the Business Excellence Awards by Acquisition International.
Distillery of the Year 2023 – Henstone Distillery again secured the title of “Distillery of the Year” at The Gin Guide Awards 2023. Their Rosé Gin was also voted “Best in Britain 2023″.
Henstone Distillery Tour Information and Experience
Henstone Distillery Ltd offers an immersive and educational tour experience that provides visitors with a unique insight into the world of craft distilling. Located in Oswestry, Shropshire, the distillery is set against the picturesque backdrop of the rural English countryside, making it a charming destination for spirit enthusiasts and curious tourists alike.
Guided Tour Details
The guided tours at Henstone Distillery are typically conducted by knowledgeable and passionate staff members, including the founders themselves. During the tour, visitors are taken through the entire distillation process, from the selection of raw materials to the final bottling of their spirits.
- Introduction and History: The tour begins with an introduction to the history of Henstone Distillery, covering its founding in 2017 and its evolution over the years. Guests learn about the inspiration behind the distillery and its commitment to producing high-quality spirits.
- Distillation Process: Visitors are then guided through the distillery, where they can see the impressive 1,000-liter copper pot still named Hilda. The tour includes detailed explanations of the distillation process for different spirits, such as whiskey, gin, vodka, and apple brandy. The guide explains how each spirit is made, highlighting the unique techniques and ingredients used.
- Cask Storage and Aging: The tour also includes a visit to the cask storage area, where guests can observe the aging process. The guide discusses the importance of cask selection and the impact of different cask types (e.g., bourbon, sherry, port) on the flavor profile of the spirits.
- Tasting Session: One of the highlights of the tour is the tasting session. Visitors have the opportunity to sample a variety of Henstone’s products, including their award-winning gins and whiskeys. The tasting is accompanied by detailed notes on the flavor profiles and characteristics of each spirit.
- Q&A Session: Throughout the tour, guests are encouraged to ask questions and engage with the guide. This interactive component ensures that visitors leave with a deeper understanding of the distillation process and the craft behind Henstone’s spirits.
Additional Information
- Duration: The tour typically lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours, providing ample time for an in-depth exploration of the distillery and a leisurely tasting session.
- Booking: Tours can be booked in advance through the Henstone Distillery website. It is recommended to book early, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure a spot.
- Group Tours: Henstone Distillery also offers group tours for larger parties. These tours can be customized to suit the interests and needs of the group, making them ideal for corporate events, celebrations, or club outings.
- Merchandise and Spirits: At the end of the tour, visitors can browse the distillery shop, which offers a range of Henstone spirits, branded merchandise, and gift sets. This is a great opportunity to take home a piece of the Henstone experience.
Flask & Barrel Review of Henstone Distillery
As a whiskey collector who’s been on countless distillery tours, I have to say Henstone Distillery Ltd in Shropshire is a gem worth visiting. Nestled in the beautiful English countryside, this place combines charm with top-notch craftsmanship.
The tour kicked off with a warm welcome from the staff. You could immediately tell they were passionate about their craft. The guide walked us through the history of Henstone, which started in 2017. It was fascinating to learn about their journey and how they’ve evolved over the years.
Seeing their 1,000-liter copper pot still, Hilda, was a highlight. They explained the distillation process in detail, from selecting raw materials to the final product. What stood out was their commitment to quality and traditional methods. They even let us peek into their cask storage area, which was cool. The guide explained how different casks, like bourbon and sherry, influence the flavor of their spirits.
Now, the best part – the tasting session. We sampled several of their spirits, including their award-winning London Dry Gin and various whiskeys. Each one had a unique flavor profile, and you could taste the quality. Their single malt whiskey was a standout for me, with its rich, complex flavors. The Rosé Gin was another surprise, and I can see why it won “Best in Britain.”
The whole experience felt very personalized and engaging. The staff was super knowledgeable and happy to answer any questions we had. Plus, the setting was just beautiful, adding to the overall vibe.
What To Do Nearby Henstone Distillery
Exmoor National Park (10.9 miles): Explore the wild beauty of Exmoor National Park, known for its vast moorland, deep valleys, and ancient oak woodlands. Hike or bike the numerous trails, visit charming villages like Lynton and Lynmouth, or go on a wildlife safari to spot red deer, ponies, and an abundance of birdlife.
Arlington Court (13.7 miles): Immerse yourself in history and beauty at Arlington Court, a National Trust property. This grand house boasts beautiful gardens, woodlands, and a working farm. Explore the house filled with period furniture and art, stroll through the Victorian walled garden, or take a ride on the miniature railway.
Woolacombe Beach (16.2 miles): If you’re looking for a relaxing day at the beach, Woolacombe Beach is a perfect choice. This 3-mile stretch of golden sand is popular for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. There are also great coastal walks with stunning views and plenty of cafes and restaurants nearby.
Clovelly Village (17.8 miles): Step back in time in the charming village of Clovelly. Nestled on a clifftop overlooking the Bristol Channel, Clovelly is car-free and accessible only on foot or by donkey rides. Explore the narrow, cobbled streets lined with traditional cottages, visit the harbor, or enjoy a cream tea at one of the tea shops.
Watermouth Castle (18.6 miles): Explore the ruins of Watermouth Castle, a 16th-century artillery fort with stunning coastal views. Climb the towers for panoramic vistas, learn about the castle’s history, or take a walk along the scenic South West Coast Path.
Frequently Asked Questions
What restaurants are near Henstone Distillery Ltd?
Fabrizio’s: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 13 Willow St, Oswestry SY11 1AF, United Kingdom. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +44 1691 662244.
The Monkey Puzzle: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. Their address is Maesbury Rd, Oswestry SY10 8GA, United Kingdom. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +44 1691 654000.
The Green Dragon Inn & Kitchen: It has a rating of 4.6 stars on Google Maps. Their address is Church Stretton SY6 6RE, United Kingdom. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +44 1694 722925.
What hotels are near Henstone Distillery Ltd?
The Nags Head Inn: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. Their address is Garthmyl, Montgomery SY15 6RS, United Kingdom. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +44 1686 640600.
Kings Head Inn: It has a rating of 4.6 stars on Google Maps. Their address is Broad St, Meifod SY22 6BX, United Kingdom. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +44 1938 500331.
Burlton Inn: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. Their address is Burlton, Shrewsbury SY4 5TB, United Kingdom. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +44 1939 270284.