Entrepreneur saves Turncoat Distillery from closure

English spirits producer Turncoat Distillery has been rescued from permanent closure after being acquired by a local entrepreneur.

Entrepreneur Edward Ridding has purchased the Liverpool-based distillery, but financial details of the sale have not been revealed.

The distillery ceased trading in December 2022 after its founder, Terry Langton, took to Facebook to announce the company’s operations would be wound down by the end of the year.

Now, Ridding will provide ‘significant investment and upgrades’ to the distillery’s labelling and bottling facilities.

Production is due to start in early March, and wholesale and retail sales are expected to commence by April.

“I’ve been working hard since Terry made the decision to close the doors at Turncoat to secure its future and make sure that the brand doesn’t disappear into obscurity,” said Ridding. “As a huge fan of the brand and its products from day one, I couldn’t pass on the opportunity to take the reins of the business and help secure its future.

“My immediate plans are to get the distillery back up and running and fulfil the demand of our loyal customers.

“My team and I will be working hard to increase our footprint across the UK over the next 12 months.

“On a personal note, I have to acknowledge the great work done by Terry and his team and wish them all the luck in the future, and thank all the wonderful customers who have already shown me a huge amount of support.”

Terry and Joanne Langton established Turncoat Distillery in 2016. It started in a garage and grew to employ more than 40 people with almost £1 million (US$1.2m) annual turnover.

The distillery produces a range of gins and vodka, plus cocktail bitters. Turncoat is located in Liverpool’s Baltic quarter.

Ridding was the co-founder of Spanish bar Roja Pinchos. His past experience includes working for soft drinks brand Vimto and gin brand Bombay Sapphire.