Whisky barrels

Halewood Wines & Spirits has confirmed plans to open a whisky distillery in North Wales.

The facility, which would mark the first major whisky distillery in the region for more than 100 years, would be situated in the Aber depot in Abergwyngregyn and produce premium crafted whisky, gin and liquors, said the Liverpool-based company. The depot on the industrial site was closed as a drinks distribution site in 2013.

The project, referred to as Aber Falls, followed a “strong financial performance in 2016”, said brands & business development director James Wright, adding it represented a “considerable investment” from Halewood and would include a visitor centre and training courses for distilling spirits.

The business was currently working with North Wales Tourism and Gwynedd Council to “finalise our plans”, with further information due to be released in due course, he said.

Penderyn from The Welsh Whisky Company, the only major whisky currently distilled in Wales, launched in 2004 and signalled the return of whisky distillation to Wales after an absence of more than 100 years.

Aber Falls is the latest in Halewood’s continued expansion plans, both for the UK and abroad. In February last year it bought a 50% stake in The Pogues Irish whiskey brand, which was followed by the business acquiring the premium Liverpool spirits portfolio in May.