Who are you, and what’s your role?

Phil Whitwell – Director & Founder

How long have you had the distillery open?

2014, 8 years

What inspired you / the company to start distilling?

Batch Brew Limited originally began producing bottled craft beers in Winchester, selling to local bars and restaurants in Hampshire. We had three beers in our range.

On a trip to Madrid, we were introduced to the Copa glass and the idea of pairing different gins, serves and tonics and once we got back, taking our inspiration from our travels we experimented with interesting botanicals, perfecting the recipe for Lancashire’s first gin.

How would describe the distillery’s ethos? / Are there any particular initiatives?

Batch HQ is a hub for experimentation, and we continue to develop only the best, and unusual, spirits to sit in our range. Still inspired by our travels, we bring back interesting flavours and use these to stimulate new creations. January 2018 kicked off with the launch of Batch Innovations; a monthly spirits subscription. Each month we release a new, interesting spirit.

As part of Batch Innovations, we released Lancashire’s first rum, barrel aged in a Sherry cask. Our Apprentice took over the reins to release his own Vodka and our Absinthe flavour gin turned a few heads to least. In 2021, we released a whisky – super limited edition with only 160 bottles produced.

What are your plans for 2022?

In 2022 Batch is moving, we are opening a new venue and distillery – this will allow us to put on mini-gin festivals and give tours etc.

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