Guides for UK distillery founders
The HMRC approval, duty, costs and insurance, checked against HMRC and GOV.UK guidance on 28 September 2026. We do not sell equipment or insurance.
- How to Start a Distillery in the UKThe steps from idea to first legal sale: HMRC approval, premises, the still, labels and insurance.
- Distiller's Licence UK: The APPA ProcessHMRC's APPA, which replaced the DLA1: who needs it, how to apply, AWRS and spirit duty.
- UK Distillery Startup CostsOur estimates for opening a micro gin or a whisky distillery, line by line, with duty and break-even.
- Distillery Insurance UKWhat a distillery policy should cover, what the law requires, and rough premiums by size.
Planning a visit rather than a distillery? See the distillery tour guides.