SUFFOLK brewer Adnams today announced plans to open a small-scale distillery, enabling it to produce a range of Adnams-branded spirits at its site in Southwold.

The company plans to produce “handcrafted” gin, vodka and whisky at the Sole Bay Brewery, alongside its production cask-conditioned ale.

Chairman Jonathan Adnams said: “Adnams is famous for producing great beers; the distillery is an exciting extension for our brand into handcrafted spirits market.

“The addition of a small distillery to breweries is not uncommon in mainland Europe, but I believe we will be the first brewery in the UK to brew beer and distil spirits on the same premises.

“Adnams Gin, Vodka and Whisky, to be made from locally grown malted barley will follow a complete process from ‘grain to glass’ through our brewery and new distillery.”

Mr Adnams added: “Following the example of the USA, there is currently a resurgence of consumer interest in high-quality handcrafted spirits and this is a fantastic opportunity for us.

“We are looking forward to Adnams Gin and Vodka on the shelves of our Cellar&Kitchen stores by the middle of November, but it will be a further three years before we see the emergence of the first Adnams Whisky following a three-year maturation in oak casks.”

Adnams has been granted a licence by HM Customs and Excise to store alcohol at its Sole Bay Brewery premises and a planning application for the installation of

a micro distillery, together with a refurbishment of the old brewery copper house, has now been submitted to Waveney District Council.

The plans also incorporate distillery tours explaining the process and telling the story of distilling in the UK and Europe.

Mr Adnams said: “We currently enjoy welcoming many visitors on our brewery tours.

It is our intention by Christmas this year to offer a fascinating insight into the world of

distilling spirits at the Adnams Copper House Distillery.”