Whisky Distillery

The story of your local Whisky Distillery in  Devon: Dartmoor Whisky Distillery  

Several years ago, a group of whisky lovers embarked on an adventure to the secluded island of Islay in the Hebrides, where they aimed to craft their very own whisky. Upon their return, they found themselves pondering a curious question: why didn’t Devon, with its ideal conditions for barley cultivation, pristine spring water sourced from granite, and excellent air quality, boast its own whisky distillery?

Devon is rich in local producers, including Warminster Maltings, a respected barley malting facility, and a variety of cask beer brewers. With all the essential components for producing a top-notch single malt whisky readily available in the region, the concept of launching a distillery felt like a natural progression.

Inspired by his experience at Bruichladdich Distillery back in 2009, founder Greg Millar envisioned Dartmoor Whisky. This dream materialised with the opening of Dartmoor Whisky Distillery, which now proudly represents the southwest as a local distillery.  

The story of your local Whisky Distillery in Devon

Our unique building  

Nestled in the picturesque town of Bovey Tracey lies the Dartmoor Whisky Distillery, a delightful gem waiting to be explored. Set within a historic building rich with character, this Grade II listed site has a fascinating history, having served as a fire station, a cinema, and a civic hall before its transformation into a distillery. With the local council relocating, the distillery seized the chance to revitalise this charming structure, establishing it as Devon’s inaugural whisky distillery.

Through careful restoration and a commitment to using locally sourced ingredients, the distillery now stands as a proud symbol of craftsmanship and tradition at the heart of Bovey Tracey.  

The landscape of Dartmoor 

Dartmoor stands out as a remarkable element of Devon’s breath-taking scenery, celebrated for its charming hills and stunning vistas. With over 450 miles of walking trails winding through its landscape, it’s easy to see why Dartmoor attracts countless visitors and outdoor lovers.

Its striking natural beauty and varied landscapes have earned it a reputation as one of the premier walking spots in the area. Our connection to Dartmoor goes beyond its visual appeal. For several years, we’ve been sourcing top-notch barley from Preston Farm, situated right in the heart of Dartmoor.

The region’s exceptional climate and fertile soil create the perfect conditions for barley cultivation. We consider ourselves fortunate to tap into such a rich supply of natural resources. The enchanting landscape and abundance of Dartmoor continually inspire our efforts.  

Local Southwest Distillery  dartmoor

What is there to do at your local southwest distillery? 

 

  • Tasting experience  
  • Open bar 
  • Events  

Tasting Experience Tour at Your Local Whisky Distillery in Bovey Tracey 

Experience the craft of single-malt whisky at Dartmoor Whisky Distillery. Our guided tour offers an in-depth look at the whisky-making journey, starting from the barley fields and leading you through the processes of distillation and maturation. Discover the importance of our local water source, the types of casks we use for ageing, and the rich variety of flavours and aromas present in each batch.

Our friendly and knowledgeable staff is here to share insights and answer your questions. Enhance your visit with our Whisky and Gin Tasting Experience, where you can explore the distinct flavours of our products. It’s an ideal way to create lasting memories with friends and family or to celebrate a special occasion. Plus, every booking now comes with a complimentary keepsake to help you remember your time with us. Don’t miss this unique opportunity at your local Southwest distillery—join us for an engaging exploration of whisky-making!  

The tasting experience includes; 

30 minute video presentation where you will; 

  • Learn the craft of whisky distillation and understand how whisky is made 
  • Hear about the history of Dartmoor Whisky Distillery and the story of our magnificent antique copper still 
  • Discover the heritage of Dartmoor National Park and the various qualities that the natural geology brings to the flavour and quality of our whisky 
  • Discover different barrel ageing techniques and the effect on flavour 
  • Feel the warmth of the roaring still in action (when distilling) 
  • Taste three single malt whisky expressions in a guided tasting 
  • Dartmoor Gin sample 
  • Have the opportunity to ask questions to our team 
  • Share tasting notes and thoughts with other visitors 
  • £5 discount on any 70cl bottle bought on the day 

 

tasting Experience Whisky Distillery in Bovey Tracey

Open Bar 

Need a place to relax with a refreshing drink after a long week at work? Swing by our distillery bar! We’re open every Friday and Saturday from 4 PM to 10 PM, so you can drop in whenever it suits you.

Our menu features a fantastic range of beverages, from draft beers to Dartmoor gin and whisky, ensuring there’s something for everyone. But it’s not just about the drinks! Our bar is also a hub for live entertainment, featuring local musicians who play everything from mellow jazz to upbeat rock. It’s a perfect setting to unwind with friends and family. So why not come by and see what we have to offer? We can’t wait to welcome you!  

Events  

At Dartmoor Whisky Distillery, we aim to provide memorable experiences for our visitors all year round. Located just outside the breathtaking Dartmoor National Park, our venue boasts a beautiful backdrop perfect for a range of events. Whether you’re into vibrant jazz evenings or thrilling live music shows, we have something to suit every taste. Our events highlight the rich local talent and culture, featuring traditional Morris dancing and other engaging performances.

We also take pride in offering our award-winning whisky alongside a selection of drinks, complemented by delicious dishes sourced from local suppliers. To stay informed about the latest happenings at Dartmoor Whisky Distillery, be sure to check our website for updates on upcoming events. 

Whisky Distillery in Bovey Tracey - Dartmoor Whisky Tasting Experience

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. 

Dartmoor Gin
Dartmoor whisky hit flask - The English whisky map
Dartmoor whisky sherry - The English whisky map

Visiting Us

You can visit us on the following days: 

Shop: 

Wed-Friday 11 am till 4 pm 

Saturday 12 pm till 4 pm 

Bar: 

Friday & Saturday 4 pm till 10 pm 

Tasting Experience: 

Saturday 1 pm – 2 pm 

If you are interested in our whisky-tasting experience, please book in advance.

 

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CONTACT US

If you have any questions at all then please do get in touch.

Contact Form

Shop Address:

The Old Town Hall, Town Hall Place, Bovey Tracey, Newton Abbot, Devon, England, TQ13 9EG

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