A New Chapter for The Forest Distillery: Expanding Production and Going Off-Grid

The Forest Distillery is excited to unveil its ambitious plans to expand production, work off-grid, and create a world-class Visitor Centre at the UK’s highest altitude distillery. Nestled in the breath-taking Macclesfield Forest, our Cat & Fiddle site will see a blend of history, innovation, and sustainability come to life.

The expansion plans include renovating and reopening sections of the 200-year-old building, constructing a new botanical glass walkway connecting key areas of the distillery, and creating a canopied courtyard where guests can relax and soak in the surroundings. In line with our commitment to sustainability, the project will also implement systems to take our energy use off-grid, including wind turbines and a heat recovery system.

A watercolour impression of the Cat and Fiddle in the future with botanical walkway and canopied courtyard

COO Lindsay Bond says: “We are so excited to move on to the next chapter for the distillery. Our single malt whisky production has always been about using local, sustainable ingredients. This next phase means that even the power used will be generated on site by the wind blowing all around us.”

CEO Karl Bond adds: “Our remote location on top of the hills has always been a challenge, with driving rain, strong winds and frequent snow. Yet this altitude allows us to distil at lower temperatures than at sea level, while our natural spring water and amazing cellars have allowed our business to grow since moving here. This next phase will ensure the longevity of the business and help us achieve our ambitious sustainability targets.”

To bring this vision to life, we are thrilled to showcase a beautiful watercolour by our Marketing Manager, Melanie Selstrom, capturing the future look and feel of the expanded distillery. It’s a glimpse of the harmony we aim to achieve between our heritage, the natural environment, and our sustainable ambitions.

This expansion marks an exciting step in our ongoing journey towards sustainability, off-grid production, and sharing the magic of our spirits with visitors from near and far.