Hensol Castle Distillery has announced a series of record-breaking achievements for the first six months of its financial year, underlining its growing position as one of Wales’ most successful spirits producers.
The business achieved an AA grade in its latest BRCGS re-audit – the highest possible certification – recognizing world-class standards in product safety, quality and traceability.
The distillery also expanded its supermarket partnerships, with new listings driving growth in Wales and the UK. Its premium Hensol Castle vodka launches in Tesco stores across Wales for the first time this year, while a new distribution deal with Molson Coors will support national on-trade expansion.
During the first half of 2025, Hensol Castle Distillery delivered a record contract bottling volume of 1.3 million bottles, fulfilling orders from several blue-chip beverage companies. The company also confirmed that profits for the period were well ahead of forecasts.
The results highlight the distillery's dual focus on contract manufacturing and premium own-brand production, with operational excellence and quality assurance driving both revenue streams.
Managing director Chris Leakey said, “While the challenges facing the hospitality industry have been widely reported, we are pleased to continue to build market share and distribution for our own spirits brands.”
“We are also proud that we have earned the trust of respected national brands to produce their passion products on behalf of them. Our success over the past six months is testament to our passionate and knowledgeable team, whose dedication is driving our growth.”
The business's partnership with Molson Coors is a significant step forward in its on-trade strategy, with the brewer's regional director Martin Anderson welcoming the collaboration, saying: “We are excited to add Hensol Castle to our on-trade distribution portfolio. Our teams are excited to bring the brand's unique Welsh offering to more customers across the UK.”
Meanwhile, the company's whiskey production program continues to mature. Hensol Castle has confirmed that its first whiskey release is planned for the second half of 2026, with several special-edition casks already in development.
The distillery's visitor experience continues to grow, attracting thousands of guests annually and contributing to the area's growing food and drink tourism sector.
In 2025, Hensol Castle Distillery once again achieved the TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Award and was named Tourism and Hospitality Business of the Year at The Vale Business Awards – both for the second consecutive year.
As Hensol Castle Distillery continues to invest in new product innovation and infrastructure, it is committed to maintaining exceptional quality, consistency and customer trust.
“Our focus is on continuous improvement – from the integrity of our production standards to the partnerships we form,” Leakey said. “We are committed to making Hensol Castle a brand that Wales can be proud of.”
jamie young
Jamie is a senior reporter at Business Matters, with over a decade of experience in UK SME business reporting. Jamie has a degree in Business Administration and regularly attends industry conferences and workshops. When Jamie is not reporting on the latest business developments, he is passionate about mentoring budding journalists and entrepreneurs to inspire the next generation of business leaders.
