This week, our team at Mercia Distillery embarked on an exciting tour of two English whisky distilleries near Frome in Somerset: Witchmark Distillery and Retribution Distilling. Joined by our friend Richard Foster from Exploring English Whisky, we delved into the unique offerings and innovative approaches of each of these distilleries.
A Journey Through Somerset’s Distilleries

Our visit to Witchmark Distillery revealed a dedication to blending tradition with farming innovation. We managed to see the fields where they grow their barley and discussed regenerative farming with their estate manager. We were also able to try their new gin line which was extremley well put together, showcasing their commitment to quality and flavour.
Meanwhile, Richard at Retribution Distilling took us through his exceptional range of spirits, including whisky and rum, each crafted with love and care, with the same passion going into his choice of amazing barrels!
A couple of drams more from Mercia Distillery
During our whisky tasting session later that evening, led by Richard Foster, Mercia Distillery proudly added two of our own drams to the mix: a single malt and rye whisky, both aging beautifully. This collaboration underscored our dedication to producing top-quality spirits and our enthusiasm for learning from and working with other distilleries.
Looking Ahead
At Mercia Distillery, we really value these fact-finding days and the opportunities that collaboration brings. They allow us to continuously enhance our craft and share our passion for English whisky with a wider audience.
Explore our products and join us on our journey. For more information, visit Mercia Distillery and follow us on social media @merciadistillery for updates and events. We’ll also be at the English Whisky Festival in Birmingham on the 23rd November 2024.
