Independent UK craft-distilling guide
Start, run and find UK craft distilleries
The independent guide to opening a distillery in the UK — the licence, the costs, the equipment and the cover — plus a directory of distilleries, gin schools and tours.
Independent · UK-specific · Updated for 2026
The operator essentials
Starting a distillery
The four things that actually stop people — the licence, the costs and the cover — current for 2026. No vendor pitch.
01How to Start a Distillery in the UKThe end-to-end path from idea to first legal sale — licence, duty, premises, equipment and costs.Read the guide→02Distiller's Licence UK: The APPA ProcessThe current HMRC approval that replaced the withdrawn DLA1 — who needs it, how to apply, and timelines.Read the guide→03UK Distillery Startup CostsWhat it really costs to start — micro gin from £70k to whisky-capable £500k+ — broken down line by line.Read the guide→04Craft Distillery Insurance UKThe specialist cover distilleries need and why standard policies miss stills, stock and flammable-vapour risk.Read the guide→
The directory
Find a distillery near you
Distilleries, gin schools and tours across the UK — browse by region.
Edinburgh & the LothiansLondonSpeysideThe CotswoldsYorkshireCornwallWalesGreater ManchesterPlymouthLiverpool
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