Anno Distillers launches first ever whisky made in Kent
Published: 17:05, 17 May 2019
Updated: 17:25, 17 May 2019
The first ever whisky made in Kent is launching tomorrow, with 549 bottles up for grabs.
But a limited-edition label comes with a price - one bottle of the single malt whisky, produced by Anno Distillers and Westerham Brewery, will set you back £120.
If you are lucky enough to get your hands on one, you will also get a stainless steel flask of the spirit before it was put in the cask, a card with the distiller's tasting notes and a certificate of authenticity.
Founders of Anno, Andy Reason and Norman Lewis, said: “This really is a landmark event for the proud tradition of spirit-making in the county.
"We hope the people of Kent enjoy tasting it as much as we enjoyed making it.”
The spirit has stayed true to its Kentish roots - Westerham Brewery used local water, English barley malt and their heritage yeast to ferment the mash before it was distilled by Anno in Marden.
An oak cask was filled with the spirit in 2015, and now, after being left to develop flavour and character, it's finally ready to taste.
It will be available to buy via the company website from tomorrow, World Whisky Day.
Andy added: “What better way to celebrate than for us to make our own little piece of history?”
Eight years ago, Norman and Andy left behind careers as scientists to pursue a passion for craft spirits.
Anno Distillers established their micro-distillery in 2011, a county first for more than 200 years.
They made their first spirit, Anno Kent Dry Gin, two years later and now offer a variety of flavours including elderflower vodka and berry pink gin.
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Rebecca Tuffin