RAISE a glass to an expanding local business as the iconic Gogerddan Arms is ready to open in its new identity as the home of In the Welsh Wind distillery following an extensive refurbishment.

Built in 1965, the Gogerddan Arms on the main A485 coast road near Tanygroes has seen many changes most recently seeing life as a vibrant pub serving locals and visitors alike.

When the landlady decided to change direction, local distillers Alex Jungmayr and Ellen Wakelam jumped at the chance, seeing an opportunity to move their craft gin distillery from the family farm in Tresaith to more prestigious and convenient premises.

Alex said: “Our original premises in a renovated cowshed on the family farm were great to start out but we were rapidly outgrowing the space.

“We have been hugely excited to move the distillery up into the Gogerddan Arms and breathe new life into this iconic building”

Alex and Ellen have spearheaded an extensive refurbishment in advance of reopening the doors to the public. Pioneering an ‘open door’ policy, the distillery is open to the public during the day for gin lab and gin tasting experiences and will be holding regular evening events where the bar will be open.

Among many other exciting plans, the distillery will host exhibitions of work by local artists. Ceredigion-based printmaker Marian Haf is the first to adorn the walls with her work. Her prints are on display and available to purchase until Christmas.

In the Welsh Wind distillery was founded in January 2018 at Plas y Wern, Tresaith.

Originally planning to distil their own ‘In the Welsh Wind’ gin, the distillery changed course when they were approached by Baravin in Aberystwyth to create a bespoke gin for the popular bar.

In the Welsh Wind bottled and shipped their first order of gin in early 2018 and haven’t looked back.

Since then, the distillery has developed and distilled gins for 20 companies and organisations across the UK, producing 32 different gins.

Gin from the distillery has been served at Glastonbury and the National Eisteddfod as well as Pembrokeshire’s The Big Retreat Festival.

One of the gins they developed and distil for the Pembrokeshire Gin Company, Tenby Dry Gin, has recently attained a coveted International Wine and Spirit Competition award.

As well as distilling gin for other businesses, Alex and Ellen have been busy developing ‘gin lab’ experiences. The first distillery in Wales to introduce this as a concept, members of the public can learn about distillation, choose their own botanicals and distil their own bottle of gin to enjoy at home, in a custom-made copper mini-still.

The distillery hosts regular gin tasting experiences, showcasing gins from the distillery and across Wales. In the Welsh Wind ‘own brand’ gin will be coming very soon too.

Find out more at inthewelshwind.co.uk