Durham Distillery is moving to city centre following £250k business funding

Durham Distillery is launching the first ever production and distillery of whisky in the North East.

The business has planned a relocation to Durham’s city centre, part of an expansion in 2018 where the future batches of Durham Whisky will be created.

The company, which launched in 2014, has been stocked in the likes of Fenwick and Majestic Wines. Owner Jon Chadwick and head distiller Jessica Tomlinson are aiming to reach a new goal this year for the company following its growth.

Chadwick said: “We are gearing up for what will be a huge year for the business, moving from the outskirts of Durham to a larger city centre premises to begin producing the first whisky to be made in this region, alongside increased production of our gin and vodka.

“Our new home will give us additional operations and storage capacity, [and] enable us to become a visitor destination. The aim is to host guided tours daily, as well as private functions and corporate events.”

Durham Distillery was the first emerging business to be invested in from the Finance Durham Fund, a £20m pot set up by Business Durham to help businesses thrive in the county. The fund invested £250k into the business to assist its relocation and production.

Tomlinson added: “Heading up the production of Durham Whisky is very exciting, and we can’t wait to start the process in 2018.

“As well as it being a first for this part of England, it’s also a shake up for the industry as there are very few female distillers, especially producing whisky.

“We’ve really honed our craft over the last four years widely establishing our gin and vodka, seeing it positioned on shelves in stores and venues next to brands which have been around for decades.”

For those who want to be part of the company’s history, consumers can sign up to reserve a Founder’s Cask from the first whisky run - alongside cases or bottles - which will be ready to drink in 2021.