Shakespeare Distillery is an independent artisan spirit producer located in the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon. Since its founding in 2015, the distillery has carved out a niche by blending traditional distillation methods with a deep appreciation for the history and botanicals of the Tudor era.
The Company Philosophy
The distillery operates with a “grain-to-glass” mentality, focusing on small-batch production. Unlike mass-produced spirits, Shakespeare Distillery utilizes long-maceration periods and traditional copper pot stills to extract maximum flavor. Their identity is inextricably linked to their location; they draw heavy inspiration from the flora and flavours that would have been familiar to William Shakespeare, creating a bridge between 16th-century herbology and modern craft spirits.
Product Range
The product lineup is diverse, ranging from classic dry gins to innovative fruit-infused rums.
Stratford Dry Gin: This is their flagship product. It is a “London Dry” style gin but with a local twist. It features classic botanicals like juniper and coriander but is defined by Tudor-inspired ingredients including rose, lemon balm, and rosemary.
Elderflower & Quince Gin: A popular choice for those seeking a softer, floral profile. The tartness of the quince balances the sweetness of the elderflower, making it a staple for summer gin-and-tonics.
Rhubarb Gin: Using fresh rhubarb, this spirit offers a sharp, tangy profile.
Jester Rum: Expanding beyond gin, the “Jester” line includes white, spiced, and aged rums. The Spiced Rum is particularly notable for its notes of mace, cinnamon, and clove.
The Distillery Experience
Shakespeare Distillery is not just a production site; it is a really interesting visit. They have won multiple awards for their Distillery Tours and Gin School.
Tours & Tastings: Visitors are guided through the production floor to see the stills (named ‘Portia’ and ‘Ophelia’) and learn about the science of distillation.
Gin School. This is a hands-on experience where guests can choose their own botanicals and distill their own unique 70cl bottle of gin on a miniature copper still.
Judith’s: Located in the center of Stratford-upon-Avon “Judith’s,” is a boutique shop and tasting room located in the former home of Shakespeare’s daughter.
Other Experiences
Additional experiences are held at their town centre premises, Judith’s School of Spirits: Rum Schools, Gin Tastings, Rum Tastings and Cocktail Masterclasses. They also take to the Avon over the summer with Gin Tasting Cruises and Rum Tasting Cruises.
No appointments are needed to visit the shop however you will need to book a space on a Tour or a Gin School.
Sustainability and Local Impact
They often collaborate with local honey producers and fruit farms to ensure their ingredients are fresh and support the Warwickshire economy. Their packaging also reflects this, often utilizing high-quality glass and minimal plastics to appeal to the eco-conscious craft consumer. They were officially certified Carbon Neutral. They’ve reduced their CO₂ emissions by over 45% which earned them Stratford’s Best Green Business award 3 years in a row.
Shakespeare Distillery has obtained EAN-13 barcodes for its amazing spirits since 2016, when they first started retailing. What an amazing achievement in just 10 years!
