Back to Blogs

Gem of the Week: White Peak Distillery

Luke
Luke
March 21, 2025
3 mins
Blog Post Banner Image - Hidden UK Gems

There’s something special about Derbyshire’s first full-scale whisky distillery. Set in a former wire works on the banks of the River Derwent, White Peak Distillery is the kind of place that combines history, craftsmanship, and a passion for proper, small-batch spirits. If you’re a whisky lover, a gin enthusiast, or just someone who appreciates a well-told story, this Hidden UK Gem is one to add to your list.

A Distillery Rooted in Place

Founded in 2016, White Peak Distillery is the result of a bold vision—to create a world-class whisky that reflects the spirit of the Peak District and Derbyshire. Nestled in the historic John Smedley Wire Works, the distillery’s setting is as unique as its approach. Every bottle of Wire Works Whisky, Shining Cliff Gin, and Derbyshire rum is crafted with care, using locally sourced ingredients, long fermentation times, and traditional copper pot stills to bring out the best flavours.

For whisky lovers, Wire Works Whisky has made waves in the industry, gaining a reputation for its complex, approachable, and well-balanced profile. It’s a whisky with a sense of place—matured in carefully selected casks to enhance its signature smoothness and depth.

The Experiences: From Tours to Tastings

A visit to White Peak Distillery is about more than just whisky—it’s about immersing yourself in the process. The Distillery Tour (£18 per person) takes you behind the scenes, where you’ll see the hand-made copper pot stills in action and learn about the traditional methods used to produce their award-winning spirits. It ends, of course, with a guided tasting of their whisky, gin, or rum.

For those wanting to delve deeper, the Whisky Tour (£33 per person) and Warehouse Tour (£40 per person) offer a more in-depth look at the whisky-making process, including cask tastings pulled straight from the barrel.

If you time it right, you might even catch one of their Yellow Wood events, where the distillery transforms into a pop-up bar, serving expertly crafted whisky and gin cocktails in a laid-back setting.

Why It’s a Hidden UK Gem

White Peak Distillery is not just about making whisky—it’s about creating something that represents Derbyshire’s heritage, its landscape, and its people. Whether you’re a seasoned whisky collector or simply curious to learn more about the craft, this independent distillery offers a warm welcome, expert knowledge, and some of the best spirits you’ll find in the UK.

Planning a visit? Book a tour or tasting experience and discover why this distillery is putting Derbyshire on the whisky map.

👉 Explore White Peak Distillery on Hidden UK Gems

Share this post

Comments Box

Join Our Community

Follow Us