Wicstun Distillery in Market Weighton is looking ahead to an exciting period of growth, following a challenging 2025 for the family-run business.
Following the sudden loss of one of its key directors, Lisa Packer, which had a profound impact on both the family and the day-to-day running of the distillery, many of the plans and developments scheduled for 2025 were placed on hold.
Now, the team, led by Jago Packer, has spent the past few months putting into action the plans and ideas that he and his wife had set out at the start of 2025.
One of the first steps was to increase storage capacity at the distillery. A new storage room has been installed, creating a more efficient working space while also making room for a new still, which was delivered in early April.
The new still, along with two large fermentation tanks, has now doubled the distillery’s production capacity and will allow the team to produce raw spirit from scratch.
The business has also successfully secured an additional HMRC licensing grant, opening the door to further expansion. Among its most ambitious plans is the production of Yorkshire Rum from scratch, which will be matured in a selection of sherry and bourbon oak casks over the coming months. The increased capacity will also allow the team to increase production of some of its most popular products, including its Toffee Vodka, Pickering Gin and Scarborough Gin.
Jago and his team are now looking ahead to an exciting and busy year, with several new flavours set to be launched alongside events across North and East Yorkshire.
For more information and to buy the range online, visit wicstun-distillery.co.uk