Weetwood Distillery: Kelsall, Cheshire
Updated: 8 hours ago
Weetwood is a Cheshire craft brewery that also distils. Its single malt whisky is called The Cheshire, and it is made on site at the brewery in Kelsall.
In this guide
Summarise this guide with AI
Weetwood at a glance
Distillery fact | Verified detail |
|---|---|
Producer / distillery | Weetwood |
Country and region | Cheshire, England |
Ownership / operator | Weetwood Brewery and Distillery |
History or founding | Whisky started as a passion project for founder Phil McLaughlin and head brewer Pete Glover. Neither had distilling experience before they started The Cheshire on site at the brewery… |
Whisky identity | Cheshire malt whisky with contrasting IPA and Islay-inspired cask finishes |
Visiting | Check the producer's current website for tours, visitor access and bookings. |
Join the Weetwood whisky community poll
Which whiskies have you tried? What should Whisky Clan review next? Open the highlighted poll below, answer four quick questions and share your preferences with the community.
TAKE THE WEETWOOD COMMUNITY POLL · 4 QUICK QUESTIONS
Answer four quick questions to see real reader percentages. No account or email is required.
Where it is
Weetwood Ales is in Kelsall, near Tarporley, in the Cheshire countryside. The business describes itself as a multi-award-winning brewery and distillery.
How the whisky began
Whisky started as a passion project for founder Phil McLaughlin and head brewer Pete Glover. Neither had distilling experience before they started The Cheshire on site at the brewery in 2018. They already worked with malted barley and could mash on their existing equipment.
How it is made
The wash is brewed from Maris Otter brewing malt with a small percentage of crystal malt, around 4,000 litres at a time
Distillation runs through a 400 litre hybrid pot still with a five plate column, heated by a bain marie style jacket
New make comes off at around 72% and uses a larger share of tails than some distilleries
Spirit goes mainly into 145 litre casks, which spend their early maturation in containers behind the brewery before moving to the main warehouse
Releases
The first release combined casks: an American STR cask, then finishes in Madeira, Moscatel and Sauternes casks. Other releases include an IPA cask finish using the brewery's own Jester IPA casks, and a Seaside release finished in ex Islay quarter casks. A five year old, the first age statement, was limited to 1,333 bottles.
Sources
Exploring English Whisky distillery profile by Richard Foster (3 November 2025), based on a visit on 18 October 2025, and the Weetwood website.
What makes Weetwood distinctive?
Cheshire malt whisky with contrasting IPA and Islay-inspired cask finishes
Weetwood whisky bottle and expression comparison
Bottle / expression | Age | ABV | Cask maturation / notes |
|---|---|---|---|
The Cheshire Single Malt | NAS / varies | Check label | Cheshire malt whisky with contrasting IPA and Islay-inspired cask finishes |
The Cheshire IPA Cask Finish | NAS / varies | Check label | Cheshire malt whisky with contrasting IPA and Islay-inspired cask finishes |
The Cheshire Seaside Cask Finish | NAS / varies | Check label | Cheshire malt whisky with contrasting IPA and Islay-inspired cask finishes |
These expressions are documented or historical references, not a live shop catalogue. Check the official producer for current age, ABV, release date and stock.
Explore other whisky distilleries
Frequently asked questions about Weetwood
Where is Weetwood?
Cheshire, England.
Who is behind Weetwood?
Weetwood Brewery and Distillery.
What is special about Weetwood?
Cheshire malt whisky with contrasting IPA and Islay-inspired cask finishes.
Which whisky expressions are documented?
The Cheshire Single Malt, The Cheshire IPA Cask Finish, The Cheshire Seaside Cask Finish. Stock and exact distillation origin may vary.
Can you visit Weetwood?
Check the current distillery website for tours and opening arrangements before travelling.
Sources and editorial checks
Whisky Clan retains the original history and sources above. Ownership, whisky range and visitor conditions may change.
Image note: the cover is an illustrative whisky photograph from the Whisky Clan library, not a photograph of these distillery premises or official product packaging.
Help us improve this distillery guide
Know something we should add or correct about Weetwood Distillery? Share verified facts, bottle releases, awards or useful sources using the form below. Newsletter subscription is optional.
If the embedded form does not display, Open the contribution form in a new tab.
Cover image: The Cheshire single malt whisky in original Weetwood first-release packaging; producer's real whisky, not distillery premises. Image source: Scotch Whisky Auctions archival image. Reuse permission has not been independently confirmed.
About the author
 | Filip Janczak Storyteller, drinker and explorer of all things whisky. Read more about the person behind Whisky Clan and explore additional reviews and distillery guides. |
Comments