After years of planning and hard work, our brand-new distillery, at New Farm, is finally open, nestled within the picturesque and historic Nunwell estate. Last month, we launched our Wight Whisky brand, and our first release, the Signature Malt Blend, and the response has been phenomenal! We have been overwhelmed by the support and encouragement from individuals and businesses across the Island, and we will be forever grateful. This is true Island spirit at its finest!

The Island has always been home to my husband and me – it’s where we grew up and created countless memories. We wanted our children to experience the same, and, when the opportunity arose to build a business here, we seized it.

So, why whisky? Well, it is more than just a drink, it’s a product which is made up entirely of its landscape and the conditions surrounding it – the ‘terroir’, as it’s often referred to in the drinks industry. The long, lingering sunshine days, salty sea air, and nutrient-rich soil on our Island, produce an exceptional barley, with a taste profile like no other. We take this simple, local ingredient and transform it into a seductively smooth, full-bodied whisky. As someone passionate about showcasing our Island, I wanted to create a spirit that tells its story and brings local businesses and communities together.

Our whisky’s key ingredient, Island barley, is sourced through Isle of Wight Grain, a non-profit organisation that supports and represents local barley farmers. Their stamp of approval is on every bottle. Another essential partner is Goddard’s Brewery, who produce our whisky mash by mixing Island barley with hot water to create a sugary liquid called wort. This wort ferments for seven days before being distilled at Wight Whisky HQ into a ‘new make or malt spirit’ (unmatured whisky). It is then aged in barrels for at least three years. We also use Wight Crystal water during the blending and bottling process, so when you enjoy our whisky, you really are savouring the essence of the Isle of Wight.

Our first release, the Signature Malt Blend, is a meticulously crafted, blended whisky that captures the taste of the Island. With our very own single malt at its heart, we selected complementary single malt whiskies from across the UK to enhance the flavour profile, bringing out the unique notes of our own product. By starting with a blend, we can generate the necessary revenue needed to lay down more Isle of Wight Single Malt, which will mature and be ready for release in 2027. We also have some limited-edition single malt releases planned, each with their own story. Stay tuned!

One of the great things about whisky is that it is so versatile. As somebody who previously never really drank it, I have been converted by the smooth and soft flavour profile of our unique product, which can be enjoyed on the rocks or in cocktails.

My favourite way to savour it has to be in our signature serve – the Wight Mule. Simply fill a glass with ice, add a measure of our Signature Malt Blend and top with ginger ale. Add a generous squeeze or two of lime and garnish with a lime wedge. Whisky and ginger are a perfect pairing; both contain a hint of spice and sweetness which makes for a drink that is both warming and refreshing.

We’re really proud of our brand-new Island whisky, which is now available at selected retailers and wightwhisky.com. We’d love to hear your thoughts!