Business never stands ‘still’ for Staffs whiskey makers
A BUSINESS making a Staffordshire take on American rye whiskey is going from strength to strength.
Mercia Whisky, based at Bishton Hall, was launched in 2021 during the pandemic.
Owned by Paul “Oz” Horrocks and Jeremy ‘“Jez” Roney, the duo converted a 1950s science lab on the grounds into a whisky and gin experience venue for visitors.
With a passion for bourbon, the friends - who met at a rock festival more than a decade ago - are on a journey to create their own version of the American rye whiskey.
They have already launched the limited edition Mercia Rye, which they say embodies the Anglo Saxon spirit and builds on the growing English interest in rye whiskey.
Now, they have added a still at Bishton Hall to create a new signature gin.
Jez said: “After great success at Mercia spirit labs providing gin and whisky experiences we have moved onto the next piece and that is producing gin here at our Bishton Hall HQ.
“Of course we already produce our three main gins that we sell but we felt we needed a signature gin that would be inspired by the local area of Staffordshire and in particular our rich botanical history here at Bishton and the forests around us.
“We have recently taken delivery of our 100-litre gin and gum still called Wulfhere.
“And we have also added make your own gin workshops using our small four-litre gins stills for our customers to come and work with us to make their own gins - leaving with a bottle.”
The new stills are just part of what the pair have been up to. They’ve also added the opportunity to buy a cask of whiskey. The 50l casks are held in bond as they mature and then, in three years’ time when the whiskey is ready for bottling, Mercia buys it back with a return on your investment - and you even get your own bottle of the new whiskey.
The entrepreneurs are also working on plans to build their own distillery for spirits in the Midlands in 2023.
Mercia Whisky at Bishton Hall is open to the public Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 4pm, with availability for private parties in the evenings.
For more information or to purchase online, visit www. merciawhisky.co