New UK craft distilleries to double in 2014

A record 26 craft distilleries are expected to open in the UK before the end of the year, more than the combined total of new openings over the last five years.

A record number of craft distilleries are expected to open in the UK this year

Renewed interest in spirits over the last few years has sparked a frenzy among aspiring distillers to craft their own products.

According to the London Craft Distilling Expo, due to be held at the Old Truman Brewery in London’s Brick Lane next week (7-8 October), the anticipated number of distillery openings by year-end will be more than double that of 2013 (see graph below).

So far this year the UK has seen the launch of the Edinburgh Distillery, Cotswolds Distillery, Bombay Sapphire Distillery, Shetland Distillery Company and Durham Distillery.

With the industry booming, some of the world’s leading craft distillers will be available at the Craft Distilling Expo to offer advice to aspiring distillers about how to start their own business properly.

Alongside product tastings and equipment demonstrations, a series of masterclasses will be held covering the challenges facing businesses in the industry and practical advice.

Speakers include Hneric Molin of Hven Distillery in Sweden, Etienne Bouillon of The Owl Distillery, and whisky writer Ian Buxton, among others. They will be covering topics such as yeast, fermentation and distillation, destination distilling, and how to choose a still.