UK distillery numbers reach record-breaking high

The UK craft boom shows no sign of slowing, as figures reveal the number of new distilleries has already surpassed last year’s record-breaking total.

The number of new UK distilleries has already surpassed last year’s record-breaking total

According to data compiled for the fourth annual Craft Distilling Expo, which will take place in London on 5 and 6 October, 34 craft distilleries are expected to open in the UK by the end of the year, compared to 26 last year.

Twenty-eight new distilleries have opened already this year, bringing the number of new distilleries in the UK since 2008 to 111.

For the first year, the Expo also looked at the distribution of distilleries in the UK, and discovered that more than 70% of the UK’s major cities – those with a population of over 200,000 – are within 12 miles of a distillery.

Present construction plans suggest the figure is likely rise to 85% over next few years, with cities such as York, Swansea, Coventry, Southampton, and Portsmouth awaiting distilleries.

Trade fair the Craft Distilling Expo will take place at the Boiler House in the Old Truman Brewery and will feature a number of masterclasses, seminars and debates.

The week will kick off with a whisky distilling workshop at East London Liquor Company, and end with a gin distilling workshop at Bermondsey Distillery.

For more information on the show, or to purchase tickets, click here.