Last week, members of Coads Green WI were joined by four members from South Hill WI on a visit to the newly established English Spirit Distillery at Treguddick Manor, near Launceston, for an introductory tour and guided tasting experience.
The English Spirit Company was founded by former biochemist Dr John Walters at Great Yeldham Hall in Essex in 2011, and as his passion for distilling spirits from the best possible ingredients increased, so did the popularity and reputation of the product. Four years ago, the company established a base in Cornwall at Treguddick Manor, and began to convert the old barn into a distillery, restaurant and café to showcase their award winning vodkas, gins, rums and liqueurs.
In spite of the delays caused by Covid, when the company turned to the production of hand sanitiser for several months, the enthusiastic team was ready to open the doors and welcome the public in the first week of October 2021.
Members were warmly welcomed by James, the General Manager, and his team, and were given a brief history of the founding of the company and were told about the different stages involved in the process of distilling. English Spirits produce their own alcohol and all their spirits are made from scratch.
Members visited the geodesic domes to learn about the ingredients used, before returning to the distillery for the tasting experience. There was the opportunity to sample and enjoy the scents and flavours of the vodka, gin, rum, fruit liqueur and chocolate and chilli liqueur.
At the end of the tour, many of the group visited the shop and were able to taste some of the other products available.
Coads Green WI Secretary Pat Mallett thanked James for the comprehensive and enjoyable tour, and the background and knowledge he brought to the the tasting experience.
The afternoon concluded with a visit to the café for coffee and cake and a chance to look at the menu. Treguddick Manor is open seven days a week and will certainly be a place to revisit to meet up socially or to indulge in purchasing some of the drinks and spirits, clearly produced with a real passion and pride.