Aber Falls Whisky Distillery is one of only four distilleries in Wales, and the first in North Wales since the early 1900s. Just a stone’s throw from Rhaeadr Fawr, the famous Aber Falls waterfall, at the gateway of the Snowdonia National Park, the site is teeming with as much history as it has local, serene charm.
The 6,000-square-meter building has stood since the 19th century, opening initially as a slate works, before it became a margarine factory during the world wars. More recently it was a drinks wholesaler depot for Halewood International, and it was the Liverpool-based drinks conglomerate who reimagined the space and subsequently set in motion plans for refurbishment and restoration in 2017. Further developments are currently underway, and a visitor centre will open in 2018 offering tours and classes.
Aber Falls whisky won’t be available until 2020, but in the meantime you can sample premium range of small batch, handcrafted gins and liqueurs the distillery has released so far - such as Aber Falls Salted Toffee Liqueur and Aber Falls Orange Marmalade Gin.
The distillation, ageing and bottling of spirits all occurs on site, in a process that prioritises the importance of local identity and traditional craft. The brand works with local farmers to source authentic Welsh malted barley, which it pairs exclusively with fresh Welsh water. All distillation occurs in large copper stills, a 5,000-litre wash still and a 3,600-litre spirit still, while maturation takes place in specially selected American oak bourbon, virgin oak and spanish sherry wood barrels. These casks are then stored at the distillery so the expressions will be influenced by the surrounding area to retain an authentic and individual profile.
You can also take advantage of a pretty amazing scheme that Aber Falls has launched, if you so wish. The exclusive Clwb Llechi (which translates as Slate Club, referencing the site’s history in slate production) allows consumers to purchase a limited number of casks, offering the chance for whisky fans to own a piece of North Wales distilling history. That’s right - we’re talking about a 200 litre single malt whisky cask of your very own. Like a master distiller in action, you could choose from bourbon, sherry or virgin oak casks for your maturation, which will take place for minimum of 3 years and 1 day at Aber Falls’ bonded distillery in Abergwyngregyn. What an opportunity!