English Whisky Distillery 

Your Local English Whisky Distillery

The Dartmoor whisky distillery stands proudly as a distinguished English whisky distillery, nestled on the outskirts of the captivating Dartmoor in Bovey Tracey. Drawing inspiration from the untamed grandeur of its surroundings, our esteemed Master Distiller, Frank McHardy, leads our team in a noble pursuit: to create single malt English whisky that exudes unparalleled excellence, embodying the very essence of Dartmoor National Park.

Within our enchanting premises, our single-malt, single-cask whisky undergoes a remarkable transformation within our exquisite ex-Cognac still. This magnificent vessel, hailing from the picturesque French countryside, was meticulously handcrafted in 1966 and has graced the hallowed halls of esteemed brands such as Hennessy, Martel, and Remy Martin. Rescued from a state of idle dormancy since its decommissioning in 1994, our cherished still has been meticulously restored to its former glory.

Today, it proudly produces our velvety, delectable new-make spirit, utilising the finest Dartmoor barley. At present, our discerning connoisseurs can indulge in three distinctive expressions: the original ex-Bordeaux Cask Single Malt, the American Oak ex-Bourbon Cask Single Malt, and the ex-Oloroso Sherry Cask Single Malt. Each variant is meticulously crafted within the walls of our distinguished distillery, nestled within the historic confines of the Old Town Hall in Bovey Tracey. 

What is English whisky? 

It should be noted that the current regulations for this particular category do not include any specific English guidelines. Presently, the only rules governing this category are the EU whisky laws. These laws primarily focus on the distillation process of grain or cereal-based mash, the addition of yeast for fermentation, one or more distillations with an alcohol content below 94.8%, the maturation period in wooden casks for at least 3 years, and the limited use of additives, with the exception of caramel colouring.

Furthermore, the final product must have an alcohol content exceeding 40%. Although these regulations may seem significant, they pale in comparison to the comprehensive guidelines followed by Scotch producers in the northern regions. This partly explains the wide array of whisky styles produced in England, ranging from single malts that are indistinguishable from Scotch to various mash bills, including rye, corn, and many others. This remarkable diversity is evident even before considering the distinct production processes and cask influences. 

The landscape of Dartmoor

Dartmoor, an enchanting gem nestled within Devon’s captivating landscape, captivates visitors with its majestic hills and breathtaking vistas. Renowned as a haven for nature enthusiasts, this region boasts an extensive network of footpaths spanning over 450 miles, beckoning explorers from all corners of the globe.

The allure of Dartmoor lies not only in its picturesque allure but also in its diverse topography, making it a cherished haven for those seeking an unforgettable walking experience. Yet, our connection with Dartmoor transcends its awe-inspiring beauty. For countless years, we have established a deep-rooted relationship with Preston Farm, an oasis nestled in the heart of Dartmoor, where we diligently source the highest quality barley.

The harmonious blend of Dartmoor’s unique climatic conditions and the fertile soil composition has gifted us with an abundant and unparalleled source of natural produce. It is a true privilege to have access to such a bountiful resource, and Dartmoor’s scenic splendour continues to inspire us as we meticulously craft our creations. 

Our production processes  

Dartmoor Whisky truly embodies the essence of the South West region, embracing the use of locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. At our distillery, nestled in Dartmoor, we have the privilege of working with Tim Cox, an exceptional barley grower from Preston Farm, located just a stone’s throw away. Unfortunately, with the closure of Tucker’s Maltings in Newton Abbot, we have entrusted the renowned Warminster Maltings in Somerset to expertly malt our barley.

Employing traditional methods of germination floors and dedicated manpower, they carefully handle and turn the barley with the utmost care, ensuring quality at every stage. The brewing of our beer wash, a crucial step in the process, is entrusted to local cask ale producers who faithfully follow our recipe, meticulously crafted by our esteemed Master Distiller, Frank McHardy. Through a meticulous primary distillation process, the beer wash undergoes a remarkable transformation, elevating its alcohol content from approximately 9% to a remarkable 25% ABV. Following three primary distillations, the “low wines” are reintroduced to the still, ultimately resulting in the creation of our exquisite “water of life” at an impressive 70% ABV.

To commence the maturation process, our carefully crafted spirit is meticulously transferred into specially selected barrels. Dartmoor Whisky takes pride in utilising three distinct barrel types to curate our three core expressions: the richness of American oak Bourbon barrels, the refined influence of French oak wine barrels, and the captivating notes imparted by Spanish sherry barrels. Every barrel contributes its own unique character to the final product, with some bottles showcasing the individuality of a single barrel type, while others are thoughtfully curated by our esteemed Master Distiller’s discerning selection.  

Dartmoor Whisky, an English Single Malt Whisky Distillery 

At Dartmoor Whisky Distillery, we take pride in being the exclusive producer of whisky in Devon. Embracing our local resources, we meticulously select regional barley and all-natural ingredients to create our exceptional single-malt whiskies. To further enhance their distinctive character, we blend them with the pristine spring water sourced from Dartmoor National Park. Our whiskies embody the essence of our picturesque rural surroundings, as they are shaped not only by our meticulous craftsmanship but also by the unique climate and granite geology of the region.

his harmonious fusion of nature and expertise results in an unparalleled quality that truly captures the spirit of Dartmoor. Leading our team of skilled artisans is the esteemed Master Distiller, Frank McHardy, renowned for his vast knowledge and invaluable contributions to the whisky industry. With an impressive career spanning half a century at esteemed distilleries such as Springbank and Bushmills, Frank’s expertise guides every stage of our process, ensuring that each bottle of Dartmoor Whisky is a testament to his mastery. At the heart of our collection, you will discover three exceptional expressions of our whisky: Ex-Bourbon, Bordeaux, and Sherry. Following distillation in our traditional Alembic copper still, these precious spirits are carefully aged in unique casks, infusing them with distinct flavour profiles and captivating nuances. 

• Our Ex-Bourbon whisky is aged in an American barrel, providing its light golden colour. The bourbon cask results in notes of vanilla, toffee, and subdued flavours of aged oak. 
• Hand-selected from one of the best wine regions in France, our red wine cask from Bordeaux balances delicate and rich aromas. When aged in this cask, the single malt whisky finishes with a distinctive sweetness and floral complexity. 
• Aged in a single Oloroso sherry cask, this was the first expression from Dartmoor Whisky Distillery. With distinctive sherry aromas and rich, fruity notes, the high strength and full body of an Oloroso provide its characteristic roundness and sweet flavours. 

Ex-Bordeaux Red Wine Cask Single Malt

Why Not Visit us?

Tasting Experience Tour at Your Local Whisky Distillery in Bovey Tracey 

At the Dartmoor Whisky Distillery, we take great satisfaction in granting our guests an exclusive opportunity to observe the intricate process of crafting single malt whisky. Our tour, expertly guided, leads you on a voyage commencing from the barley fields and concluding at the distillation and maturation process. Gain valuable insights into the importance of the local water source, the significance of the casks used for ageing, and the diverse flavours and aromas that are produced with each batch of whisky.

Our experienced staff are always available to answer any queries, and they are passionate about sharing their knowledge of the art of whisky making. As well as the tour, we offer the Whisky and Gin Tasting Experience, allowing you to savour the distinctive flavours of our whisky and gin creations. It is the perfect way to spend an afternoon with loved ones or celebrate a special occasion. To enhance the experience, we are now providing a complementary souvenir with every booking. 

So come and join us for an utterly unique and immersive experience at your local Southwest distillery! 

Hold an Event at the Dartmoor Whisky Distillery 

If you would like to hold your own exclusive event at Dartmoor Whisky Distillery, please fill in the contact form below. 

Our hall can be booked for:

+ christenings 

+ wakes 

+ birthdays 

+ business outings 

+ business meetings 

+ weddings 

And all of life’s milestones.