In 1938, the MOD launched Operation GPSS (Government pipeline & storage system) to find a way to store and transport fuel around the UK out of enemy sight. A handful of secret, underground fuel depots were commissioned and in the middle of Shropshire woodland, our site was built complete with 22 underground tanks, air raid shelters and it's own alcohol production plant for use in fuel. Over 80yrs on, we have repurposed this into our distillery and maturation site.

The site was purchased in the early 70's by William Boon Snr where he built up a range of businesses within agriculture. To this day, these businesses are run by William Boon Jnr and have evolved into supporting British Farming through production of molasses-based animal feed, crop nutrition for sustainable farming and Adblue manufacture to reduce CO2 emissions. It's these very businesses that play a vital role in helping Distinct Distillers achieve it's unique circular economy that directly gives back to the environment in meaningful ways.

One night, at a family birthday, we met a friendly bartender who opened our eyes to the world of Rum. Knowing nothing about it, after a quick google on how it was made, we couldn't believe how many synergies there were with the family business and Rum production....and so a plan was hatched. Hannah headed to Diageo to gain experience in spirits whilst Josh, her other half, left his music career behind and retrained as a distiller. Using the manufacturing expertise from Will Boon Snr and Jnr we've been able to build a distillery completely unique in nature.