The initial products – namely Forest Gin, have gained a cult following and are recognised around the world as ultra-premium spirits.

Images © Forest Distillery

Now, in 2021, they operate across two sites in Macclesfield Forest. Chambers Farm is where they continue to produce gin and other spirits, whilst the Cat & Fiddle now operates as the UK’s highest altitude whisky distillery at 16,89ft above sea level.

Built in 1813, The Cat & Fiddle was a remote coaching Inn, and over the years has become a destination in it’s own right, with views stretching across the Peak District, 7 counties, and on a clear day, there is even a distant sea view!

As an Inn, it sadly closed in 2015, however there are several reasons why it suited Forest as home to their whisky distillery:

Space

The building is a large, stone built building and provides much needed space to distil whisky

Cellars

There is a network of cool, damp cellars below the building, which give ideal stable conditions for slow maturation of spirit.

Water

The spring water here is filtered through layers of peat. Terrible for a pub but amazing for single malt English Whisky.

The stills here are very small at 500 litres, so the production is tiny. Every drop is distilled by Lindsay Bond. However, the use of local barley, wild yeast strains and English Oak casks makes for a unique and intriguing spirit from above the clouds. On site, they have regular distillery tours, tastings and events – all of which must be pre-booked.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO RECEIVE A BOTTLE OF CAREFULLY CURATED WHISKY EVERY OTHER MONTH?

DON’T MISS OUR NEXT DELIVERY… JOIN SUMMERTON WHISKY CLUB TODAY!

DISTILLERY INFO