Sunderland’s first distillery looks to expand range

Poetic License Independent Small Batch Distillery says it is looking to produce more spirits and expand its product range after launching two gins and a vodka last month.

Copper still “Gracie” is the centrepiece at the new Poetic License distillery

The Sunderland-based distillery first showcased product at September’s Boutique Bar Show following a one-year set up.

Old Tom Gin, Northern Dry Gin and Graceful Vodka are already listed in the UK off-trade.

Now the distillery can produce “any spirits we want”, which is “something we look forward to doing in the future”, Poetic License’s Gemma Rodgerson told The Spirits Business.

Current output runs to 400 bottles per batch, with the distillery hoping to produce one batch per week in the coming year.

The craft distillery sits adjacent to the Poetic License Bar which is situated on the seafront just north of Sunderland.

Figures from the Craft Distilling Expo suggest that the number of craft distillery openings in 2015 will “surpass” the record number of 2014 launches.