A LLANDYSUL distillery features in the newly-launched English and Welsh Whisky Trail set up by the Wine and Spirits Trade Association (WSTA) to celebrate the growth of a sector that lay dormant for more than a century.

Da Mhile Distillery, based at Glynhynod Farm, in Ceredigion, produces organic whisky and gin, and also explores new spirits like apple brandy and sloe gin. It was recently visited by HRH The Prince of Wales.

It is one of 19 English and Welsh distilleries featured. In England and Wales, new-make spirit must be matured for a minimum of three years in wooden casks before it can legally be called ‘whisky’, and so, as some of these distilleries are new, they are are still laying down their spirit.

Miles Beale, Chief Executive of the Wine and Spirit Trade Association said: “The UK spirits industry is real success story. Britain now boasts 315 distilleries – more than double the number that were operating across the country five years ago.

“We can safely say the growing number of distilleries is no flash in the pan, as we have seen a wave of exciting new Welsh and English distillery projects.

“The ‘ginnaisance’ has attracted a whole new audience of people keen to try new spirit experiences allowing an English and Welsh whisky market to emerge.

“It is fantastic to see a growing number of English and Welsh distillers now creating quality, award-winning whiskies as well as gins and increasing their sales both home and abroad.

“In addition to bringing investment and jobs to the UK’s towns and the countryside, it also helps to boost tourism and promotes the British food and drink brand around the world.”