Our Core Whiskies  

Dartmoor Whisky, an English Single Malt Whisky Distillery  

Dartmoor Whisky Distillery is proud to be the exclusive producer of single malt whisky in the picturesque Devon region. We take advantage of our local surroundings by selecting high-quality barley from nearby farms and using only the finest natural ingredients in the creation of our remarkable single malts. A key feature of our whisky is the pure spring water sourced from Dartmoor National Park, which adds a unique element that reflects the tranquillity of our rural environment. The region’s distinctive climate and granite landscape also contribute to the unique flavours of our whiskies, making each one truly special.

What distinguishes Dartmoor is the harmonious blend of nature and craftsmanship, resulting in an exceptional quality that embodies the spirit of the area. Leading our talented team is Master Distiller Frank McHardy, a respected name in the whisky world. With over fifty years of experience at esteemed distilleries like Springbank and Bushmills, Frank’s expertise is evident throughout our meticulous production process, ensuring that every bottle of Dartmoor Whisky showcases his skill.

Our collection features three standout expressions: Ex-Bourbon, Bordeaux, and Sherry. Each whisky is distilled in our traditional alembic copper still and aged in carefully selected casks, imparting unique flavours and delightful subtleties that will please any whisky enthusiast.  

American Oak Ex-Bourbon Cask Single Malt  

Crafted from hand-harvested barley sourced locally near Dartmoor National Park, this exquisite whisky boasts a smooth profile developed through ageing in a single Bourbon cask and is blended with pristine spring water from Dartmoor.

Presented in a 70-cl bottle with an ABV of 46%, our Master Distiller, Frank McHardy, shares his insights on this exceptional whisky: “The spirit showcases a lovely golden hue typical of Bourbon cask aging.

Aromas of vanilla grace the nose, accompanied by delightful toffee notes on the palate, reminiscent of crème brûlée and marshmallow. It offers a wonderfully sweet profile, almost honey-like in character.

The American Bourbon Cask  

This barrel hails from a Bourbon distillery in the United States. Due to American regulations, Bourbon barrels are permitted to be used only once for ageing Bourbon, resulting in a surplus of used barrels that are ripe for repurposing in other sectors of the beverage industry. Consequently, many whisky distilleries in Scotland and England have turned to these ex-Bourbon barrels for maturing their spirits.

Some of the barrels we source come from renowned bourbon brands across America. Additionally, it’s becoming increasingly common for breweries to explore ageing their beers in these used Bourbon barrels. Interestingly, while Bourbon can technically be produced anywhere in the U.S., it is often linked to the southern states, particularly Kentucky. To qualify as Bourbon in the United States, the spirit must contain a minimum of 51% corn and be aged in new, charred oak barrels, which is what creates our distinctive Bourbon casks.  

Ex-Oloroso Sherry Cask Single Malt  

Our Ex-Oloroso Sherry whisky is crafted using a traditional copper still and matured entirely in a single Ex-Oloroso Sherry cask, enhanced with pristine Dartmoor spring water.

On the palate, you’ll discover a delightful medley of sweet sherry notes, hazelnut, coconut, marzipan, and sultanas, with subtle hints of gingerbread and treacle. This unique single malt offers a memorable experience, perfect for a special toast. Sourced from the renowned Jerez region of Spain, our sherry casks are among the finest and most sought-after, imparting rich and sweet flavors that elevate the whisky.

Unlike many sherry whiskies that are only finished in sherry casks after maturing in inferior barrels, our Ex-Oloroso Sherry whisky is aged exclusively in Oloroso sherry casks from start to finish. This process allows the spirit ample time to develop its golden hue, aromatic sherry bouquet, and complex flavour profile. Presented in a 70-cl bottle with an ABV of 46%, our Oloroso sherry cask whisky is a handcrafted gem from the Dartmoor region.  

The Oloroso Sherry Cask  

This barrel hails from the Jerez region of Spain, renowned for its sherry production. We invest in these barrels due to the exceptional sweetness and depth of flavour they bring to our whisky, making them among the most sought-after and pricey options available. With sherry production declining, these barrels have become increasingly rare, making it unusual to find whisky aged exclusively in Spanish sherry casks.

The casks are expertly refurbished to ensure durability while still retaining the delightful sweetness and aromas from their previous use in sherry.  

Ex-Bordeaux Red Wine Cask Single Malt  

This whisky greets you with aromas of soft fruits and blackcurrants, while the palate reveals delightful wine gum notes, complemented by subtle undertones of coconut and chocolate.

Aged in a single ex-Bordeaux cask, it concludes with a beautifully sweet and floral finish that invites you to enjoy another sip. The barley used in this expression is cultivated in the picturesque Dartmoor National Park and is traditionally floor-malted in Warminster.

From there, it transforms into a beer wash in Princetown before being distilled in our vintage 1966 alembic copper still, allowing us to create a spirit that is both sweet and smooth. This Dartmoor spirit then rests in a meticulously selected red wine cask within the tranquil environment of our cellar, sourced from Bordeaux—renowned as one of France’s premier wine regions.  

• 70cl, 46% ABV  
• Non-chill filtered  
• No colours or flavours  

The Bordeaux Red Wine Cask  

This barrel hails from the esteemed Bordeaux region, famed for producing some of the finest wines in France. We select barrels that once contained top-tier French red wines and fill them with our whisky, freshly distilled at our Dartmoor location. This allows the whisky to mature while absorbing the rich and delightful aromas from the wood.  

Our production processes  

Dartmoor Whisky is a genuine reflection of the Southwest, showcasing the region’s unique flavours through locally sourced ingredients. Our distillery, situated in the heart of Dartmoor, has the privilege of partnering with Tim Cox, an outstanding barley farmer from Preston Farm, just a short distance away. In light of the recent closure of Tucker’s Maltings in Newton Abbot, we’ve turned to the esteemed Warminster Maltings in Somerset to handle the malting of our barley.

Committed to traditional techniques, the skilled craftsmen at Warminster use age-old methods, including germination floors and careful manual processes, to ensure that quality is preserved at every step. The vital task of brewing our beer wash is entrusted to local cask ale producers, who adhere strictly to a recipe developed by our talented master distiller, Frank McHardy. Through a careful primary distillation process, the beer wash is transformed, increasing its alcohol content from around 9% to an impressive 25% ABV.

After undergoing three rounds of primary distillation, we reintroduce the “low wines” back into the still, resulting in our exceptional “water of life,” which boasts an ABV of 70%. The maturation of our spirit begins with a thoughtful transfer into specially chosen barrels. Dartmoor Whisky proudly employs three different types of barrels to create our three main expressions. The robust flavours from American oak Bourbon barrels, the sophisticated nuances from French oak wine barrels, and the alluring characteristics from Spanish sherry barrels each impart their own unique essence to the final product.

Some of our bottles highlight the distinctiveness of a single-barrel type, while others are expertly blended through the discerning choices of our master distiller. Each barrel contributes its own flair, ensuring that every bottle of Dartmoor whisky offers a one-of-a-kind experience.  

Tasting Experience Tour at Your Local Whisky Distillery in Bovey Tracey 

Discover the art of single-malt whisky at Dartmoor Whisky Distillery. Join us for a guided tour that takes you through every step of the whisky-making process, from the barley fields to the distillation and maturation stages. Learn about the significance of our local water source, the various cask types used for ageing, and the diverse flavours and aromas that characterise each batch.

Our knowledgeable and approachable staff are eager to share their expertise and answer any questions you might have. To make your visit even more enjoyable, consider our Whisky and Gin Tasting Experience, where you can savour the unique flavours of our offerings. It’s a perfect way to create cherished memories with loved ones or to commemorate a special event. Plus, every booking includes a complimentary keepsake to remember your visit. Don’t let this chance slip by—come explore the fascinating world of whisky-making at your local Southwest distillery!  

Open Bar 

Looking for a cosy spot to unwind with a cold drink after a hectic week? Come check out our distillery bar! We’re open every Friday and Saturday from 4 PM to 10 PM, so you can swing by whenever it fits your schedule. Our drink selection is impressive, featuring everything from refreshing draft beers to handcrafted Dartmoor gin and whisky—there’s something to please every palate. But the fun doesn’t stop there!

Our bar is a lively venue for local musicians, offering a mix of smooth jazz and lively rock tunes. It’s the ideal atmosphere to relax with friends and family. We’d love for you to join us and experience all that we have to offer. We look forward to seeing you!  

Events  

At Dartmoor Whisky Distillery, we strive to create unforgettable experiences for our guests throughout the year. Nestled just outside the stunning Dartmoor National Park, our location offers a picturesque setting ideal for a variety of events. From lively jazz nights to exciting live music performances, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Our programming showcases local talent and culture, featuring traditional Morris dancing and other captivating acts. We’re also proud to serve our award-winning whisky along with a curated selection of beverages and delicious dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. To keep up with all the latest events and news at Dartmoor Whisky Distillery, make sure to visit our website for updates.  

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.