Single Malt English Whisky

Your local single malt English whisky distillery  

The Dartmoor Whisky Distillery is a respected name in single malt English whisky, located just outside the stunning landscape of Dartmoor in Bovey Tracey. Inspired by the wild beauty of the area, our Master Distiller, Frank McHardy, guides our dedicated team on a mission to craft single malt English whiskythat truly reflects the spirit of Dartmoor National Park.

Inside our distillery, our single-malt, single-cask whisky is transformed using a remarkable ex-Cognac still. This beautiful still, crafted in 1966 in the heart of France, previously served prestigious brands like Hennessy, Martel, and Remy Martin. After standing idle since its retirement in 1994, we have lovingly restored it to life.

 Now, this historic distillery still produces our smooth, flavourful new-make spirit, using the finest barley sourced from Dartmoor. Currently, whisky enthusiasts can enjoy three unique varieties: the original ex-Bordeaux Cask Single Malt, the American Oak ex-Bourbon Cask Single Malt, and the ex-Oloroso Sherry Cask Single Malt. Each expression is carefully made right here in our distillery, located within the charming Old Town Hall in Bovey Tracey.  

What is English whisky? 

It’s important to acknowledge that the existing regulations for this category lack specific guidelines in English. At the moment, the only rules governing this area are dictated by EU whisky regulations. These rules primarily cover the distillation of grain or cereal-based mash, the inclusion of yeast for fermentation, multiple distillation processes with an alcohol content not exceeding 94.8%, a minimum maturation period of three years in wooden casks, and restrictions on additives, permitting only caramel colouring.

Additionally, the final product must contain an alcohol volume of over 40%. While these regulations may appear substantial, they are relatively basic compared to the detailed standards that Scotch producers adhere to in the northern regions. This discrepancy helps to explain the diverse range of whisky styles crafted in England—from single malts that could easily be mistaken for Scotch to an array of mash bills featuring rye, corn, and more. This impressive variety is even more pronounced when you factor in the unique production methods and influences of different cask types.  

The landscape of Dartmoor

Dartmoor, a hidden treasure set against the stunning backdrop of Devon, draws in visitors with its impressive hills and breath-taking views. Celebrated as a paradise for outdoor lovers, this area features a vast network of over 450 miles of footpaths, inviting adventurers from around the world to explore its beauty. What makes Dartmoor truly special is not just its scenic charm but also its varied landscapes, making it a beloved spot for anyone looking for a memorable hiking experience.

Our connection to Dartmoor goes beyond its stunning scenery. For many years, we have forged a strong bond with Preston Farm, a peaceful retreat located in the heart of Dartmoor, where we carefully select top-quality barley. The unique climate and rich soil of Dartmoor provide us with a remarkable source of natural ingredients. We feel fortunate to have access to such a generous bounty, and the breath-taking beauty of Dartmoor continues to fuel our passion as we create our products.  

Our production processes  

Dartmoor Whisky captures the spirit of the South West, prioritising local ingredients whenever feasible. Our distillery, set in the heart of Dartmoor, collaborates closely with Tim Cox, an outstanding barley farmer from Preston Farm, just a short distance away. With Tucker’s Maltings in Newton Abbot no longer in operation, we now rely on the esteemed Warminster Maltings in Somerset to handle the malting of our barley. Utilising traditional methods, the team at Warminster carefully germinates and turns the barley by hand, ensuring quality at every step.

The brewing of our beer wash, a vital part of the whisky-making process, is entrusted to nearby cask ale producers who adhere closely to a recipe designed by our skilled master distiller, Frank McHardy. Through a detailed primary distillation process, we transform the beer wash, elevating its alcohol content from around 9% to an impressive 25% ABV. After three rounds of primary distillation, the “low wines” are returned to the still, culminating in our exceptional spirit, which boasts an impressive 70% ABV.

As we begin the maturation process, our carefully crafted spirit is placed in a selection of specifically chosen barrels. Dartmoor Whisky is proud to use three different types of barrels to develop our three core expressions: the bold character of American oak Bourbon barrels, the subtle nuances of French oak wine barrels, and the rich flavours imparted by Spanish sherry barrels. Each barrel lends its own distinctive personality to the whisky, with some bottles highlighting the unique characteristics of a single type, while others are expertly blended by our master distiller to create a harmonious final product.  

Dartmoor Whisky, an English Single Malt Whisky Distillery 

At Dartmoor Whisky Distillery, we are proud to be the sole whisky producer in Devon. We harness the richness of our local environment by carefully sourcing regional barley and using only natural ingredients to craft our remarkable single-malt whiskies. Our unique character comes not only from our careful processes but also from the crystal-clear spring water drawn from Dartmoor National Park, which we blend into our spirits. Each whisky we create reflects the beauty of our stunning countryside, influenced by the distinctive climate and granite landscape that surrounds us.

The combination of nature and our skilled craftsmanship leads to a level of quality that truly represents the Dartmoor spirit. Our talented team is led by Master Distiller Frank McHardy, a respected figure in the whisky world with over fifty years of experience at renowned distilleries like Springbank and Bushmills. Frank’s extensive knowledge ensures that every step of our production process is executed to perfection, resulting in a whisky that embodies his expertise. In our collection, you’ll find three standout expressions: Ex-Bourbon, Bordeaux, and Sherry. After distillation in our traditional alembic copper still, these exceptional spirits are aged in carefully selected casks, allowing them to develop their unique flavours and intricate characteristics.  

• 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.