Ludlow Distillery
Ludlow Distillery is a very well-known drinks brand in the region, but not everyone knows your story. Can you tell us how it all started? In September 2018 we launched our hero brand, Ludlow Gin, using traditional, copper-pot distillation. We are now the largest independent distillery in the region, supplying bars, restaurants and shops across the four neighbouring counties: Shropshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Powys.
In 2020, we incorporated John Villar Wines, a wholesale wine merchant supplying independent wines to restaurants and pubs across our home region, soon to be rebranded as Ludlow Fine Wines. All our wines are imported from independently owned wine producers across the globe who share our ethos of producing the best quality product with integrity.
Between 2021 and 2022 the distillery family grew significantly, first with the launch of our premium vodkas and rums in 2021, followed by the release of our single malt whisky in 2022, inspiring a new generation of whisky drinkers who appreciate beauty, craft and quality.
In addition to producing our own premium, handcrafted spirits, we offer full-service contract distilling, as well as spirits consultation. Our commercial alcohol partnerships and contracts to date have been incredibly successful, resulting in premium spirits that truly reflect the brands we are distilling for. Last year we won a year contract to distil bulk spirits for a major events company suppling seven London stadiums, three major cricket grounds and two major regional stadiums.
The launch of Ludlow Distillery marks an important next stage in our growth as a brand, cementing our position as the largest independent distillery in the region, and providing a visitor experience that will greatly enhance tourism in the region. Ludlow Distillery opened in early April at Ludlow Farmshop, Bromfield Road, Ludlow SY8 2JR.
Congratulations on the launch of your new distillery, you must be very proud! Please tell us what our readers will experience when they visit? Our recent move to Ludlow Farmshop is an exciting new stage in our journey and a great way to mark our fifth birthday! When we created our brand five years ago we really wanted to create something new that Ludlow could be proud of.The fact that tens of thousands of bottles have been distributed across the UK can only serve to increase Ludlow’s reputation as a destination for food lovers.
Our visitor centre builds on Ludlow’s reputation, and provides an opportunity for visitors to enjoy tasting our products in the shop, maybe a drink in our bar and a behind the scenes tour of the distillery. Later in the summer you’ll be able to book for our Gin School to make your own personal bottle of gin. Come and visit us at Ludlow Farmshop – with the café, farm shop, art gallery, children’s play area and garden centre, there’s something for everyone. At the largest independent craft distillery in the region, you can see, taste and experience the spirit of Ludlow.We’re open seven days a week.
The Gin School sounds very exciting! Who is this available to and what can we expect? If you love gin, then why not have a go at making your own at our Gin School when it opens later in the summer? It’s an experience you won’t forget. You’ll enjoy complimentary drinks and a tour of the distillery. Learn all about the history of gin, making London Dry gin, and the distillation process step by step, as well as seeing how we distil our premium spirits in our big stills.You’ll choose from our botanical library with ingredients sourced from across the globe to create your unique gin tailored to your tastes.Your tour guide will encourage you to be as creative as you can to make sure your blend is truly one of a kind. As well as leaving with your unique 70cl bottle of gin, you’ll also be able to re-order your gin in future and order it by the case for special events: weddings etc, and the perfect present!
What’s next for Ludlow Distillery, have you got more plans in the pipeline? There is always something in the pipeline! The next cask edition of our Ludlow Single Malt English Whisky will be out in late May, followed by fruit gins in the late summer. If you haven’t yet tried our Limited-Edition Coronation Rose Gin, it’s incredible: the first batch sold out within a week, so do come into the distillery shop and try it at our bar!