We’re delighted to report that Shakespeare Distillery has expanded its business in the centre of Stratford-upon-Avon where it has opened a brand new experiences space, which will create six new jobs.
The independent artisan spirit producer has taken a long-term lease at 1 High Street in the historic town which houses their retail shop on the ground floor.
Initially seen as a pop-up shop, Shakespeare Distillery has converted two additional floors above the retail premises into a Rum School and Tasting Room named Judith’s.
It is due to the success of the Distillery Tours and Gin School at their premises in Drayton Manor Drive in Stratford-upon-Avon that Shakespeare Distillery has added a second site to keep up with demand.
1 High Street occupies a fantastic retail and iconic location, which was once home to Judith Shakespeare, daughter of William Shakespeare.
Shakespeare Distillery’s products are, of course, inspired by the Tudor period, which is ingrained in the history of the town.
The building’s cellar is said to have been part of an early gaol known as The Cage, for a period from around 1470.
Shakespeare Distillery has also launched a new limited edition pink gin to celebrate the opening of Judith’s, simply called: Judith’s Premium Pink Gin, which combines pink peppercorns and hibiscus with refreshing citrus and the natural sweetness of raspberries and blackberries.
Following distillation the gin is steeped in fresh raspberries to create a beautifully natural pink gin. In Tudor times pink was a closely linked with the pinnacle of perfection, which the artisan distillers are happy to be associated with. The recommended serve is a generous measure of the pink gin with elderflower tonic or light Indian tonic water, ice and a slice of lemon.
Commenting on the company’s latest developments, Peter Monks, director at Shakespeare Distillery said: “Stratford-upon-Avon is once again a busy and vibrant town after the pandemic and so now presents the perfect opportunity for us to expand our business.
“Having a tasting room in town will make it easier for our customers to try our products and it also gives residents the opportunity to visit with their friends and family. We look forward to starting an exciting new chapter, not only for the Distillery but for this historic building!”
The company has been successfully distilling gin for the last six years on their own premises and began distilling their own brand of British rum in 2021, creating a white rum named Jester and a spiced rum to add to their portfolio of premium, hand-crafted products.
Whilst the gin boom in the UK continues there are signs that the rum market is starting to grow at a faster rate, a subject that we have previously covered here at Hand Crafted Drinks Magazine.
Shakespeare Distillery is one of a small handful of UK distilleries who create their rum on-site and there are only a small number of rum schools in the country.
We have yet to visit the new venture in Stratford-upon-Avon, but as soon as we have had the opportunity we will be more than happy to provide our own first hand review.
For more information about Shakespeare Distillery please visit their website