Halewood Artisanal Spirits

Gabriele Tammaro, D&C Spirits Specialist, took attendees on an immersive journey through the heart of the United Kingdom with his Halewood Artisanal Spirits: Round Trip masterclass.
This captivating experience led us from the rolling hills of Wales to the rugged coastlines of Scotland, with a delightful detour to Blackpool, where a touch of American spirit was infused into the mix.
Throughout the masterclass, Gabriele showcased how traditional British whisky-making techniques are meeting global influences and innovations, resulting in a range of whiskies that reflect the cultural and geographical diversity of these iconic regions.

A Journey Through the British Isles: Whisky with a Global Twist
The masterclass began with an exploration of how British whisky is evolving in response to changing times.
From the rich history of Welsh distilling to the classic Scotch traditions, Gabriele provided a detailed overview of how these regions are producing whiskies that embrace both innovation and tradition.
It was a fascinating look at how global influences are shaping the distinctive flavors of British spirits, blending the old with the new to create exceptional whisky expressions.

The Tasting Experience
Aber Falls - Single Malt Welsh Whisky
The first whisky in the tasting lineup was Aber Falls Single Malt Welsh Whisky, a true reflection of the Welsh landscape. This whisky is distilled in the picturesque Aber Falls Distillery in North Wales, where the purity of the local water and the rugged terrain come together to produce a smooth and flavorful dram.
With a delicate balance of fruit and spice, it’s a whisky that beautifully represents Wales’ growing whisky scene.
Notably, Aber Falls Distillery is committed to sustainability, using renewable energy to power their production processes. This commitment to the environment complements the whisky’s craftsmanship and highlights the distillery's forward-thinking approach.
In addition to its exceptional quality, the Aber Falls whisky also offers an impressive quality-to-price ratio, making it a standout choice for whisky enthusiasts looking for both value and flavor.

Bankhall - Single Malt Whisky
Next, attendees tasted Bankhall Single Malt Whisky, crafted in Blackpool, England. It is a whisky with a smooth, well-rounded character that is also slightly angular on the nose, featuring a pleasant caramel aroma.
The whisky showcases a notable tannin structure, providing a strong, bold character. It’s definitely enjoyable for those who appreciate intense flavors.
Additionally, the whisky offers interesting possibilities for blending, making it a versatile choice for cocktail enthusiasts.

Bankhall - British Cigar Single Malt Whisky
An intriguing addition to the tasting was Bankhall British Cigar Single Malt Whisky, a distinctive expression specifically crafted to pair with cigars.
While the name might lead some to expect a smoky whisky, it’s actually quite the opposite. This whisky is rich and slightly sweet, with notes of dried fruit and cinnamon that give it a warm, inviting character.
It’s definitely an excellent choice for those who enjoy a dram alongside a fine cigar, as the smoothness and depth of flavor complement the experience without overwhelming the palate.

Johnny Cree - Single Malt Scotch Whisky
The journey then took us to Scotland, where we tasted Johnny Cree Single Malt Scotch Whisky. This whisky embodies the traditional characteristics of Scottish whisky.
It is a young whisky, can find an herbal flavor, apple, apricot and a hint of red wine coming out from the barrel, a perfect scotch to introduce someone to the whisky world.

John Crabbie - Single Malt Scotch Whisky
The final whisky in the tasting was John Crabbie Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
This whisky offers a rich mouthfeel with more persistent tannins, making it a more mature expression compared to the previous one.
It showcases a classic Scottish whisky style, with a finish marked by notes of wood and red fruits.

A Masterclass of Tradition and Innovation
Throughout the masterclass, Gabriele’s expertise and passion for British spirits shone through.
He expertly guided participants through each whisky, offering detailed explanations of the distilling processes, the geographical factors that influence the flavors, and the unique qualities that each whisky brought to the tasting table.
From the Welsh highlands to the Scottish shores, each dram told a story of tradition, craftsmanship, and global influences.
As we tasted through these whiskies, it became clear that British whisky is no longer just about Scotland and its traditional Scotch whisky heritage.
Today, distilleries across the UK are blending tradition with innovation, creating whiskies that reflect the diversity and creativity of modern whisky-making.


Gabriele Tammaro:
https://www.instagram.com/leletam/
Halewood Artisanal Spirit:
https://www.instagram.com/halewood_artisanal_spirits/
D&C