Henstone Distillery, a renowned spirit producer in the UK, has recently divested a 50% ownership stake to entrepreneur Mike Harris. This strategic move comes in anticipation of their forthcoming relocation to a more expansive facility, driven by their remarkable surge in growth.
The distillery’s founders have disclosed their intentions to move to an undisclosed location by the end of 2023, citing the outgrowing of their original site as the primary motive for this decision.
Harris, who serves as the chairman of the Welsh Premier League club The New Saints FC and is the founder of investment firm Ubuntu Holdings, expressed that the distillery is entering an exceptionally thrilling phase.
Established in 2017 and situated in Shropshire, this distillery crafts a wide range of spirits including gin, whisky, vodka, brandy, and rum. Additionally, it manufactures white-label and co-branded products, a practice that will persist following the acquisition.
Henstone Distillery’s spirits can be found in the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and Hong Kong through various retail outlets, including prestigious locations like the London department store Harrods. Additionally, they are accessible directly to consumers (D2C).
Co-Founder Chris Toller emphasized that expanding distribution within the UK and exploring export opportunities are top priorities following the investment. The distillery is on the verge of finalizing a distribution agreement in Italy and is currently engaged in ongoing discussions in China, according to him.
In a statement on the investment today (25 August), Toller said, “We have seen enormous growth since establishing Henstone back in 2017.
“Having outgrown our current site, this deal will provide us with a new space that will help us achieve our expansion goals and continue to produce products of the highest standard.”
Harris added, “I have watched with interest as the company continues to grow on a national scale. Now, I’m looking forward to helping the brand achieve its growth ambitions as we move into a particularly exciting time for Henstone Distillery.”
At present, the distillery manufactures between 5,000 and 10,000 70cl bottles annually, a volume that Toller aims to substantially increase at the new facility.
He added, “We plan to become self-sufficient in whisky wash production and increase capacity to circa four washes a week – this will mean distilling whisky four times per week too.”
Henstone Distillery was founded in Oswestry, Shropshire, by Chris and Alexandra Toller, and Shane and Alison Parr. The Parrs left in August this year “to concentrate on their brewing and hospitality business”.
Chris and Alexandra’s son Chris joined in 2021 as sales manager and his sister Florence joined as distiller last year. This month they added a brand ambassador to the team.
Chris mentioned that the business has been generating a “modest profit” over the past two years.
