Built in 1938 as part of the UK Ministry of Defence’s Government Pipeline and Storage System (GPSS), our Shropshire site originally housed underground fuel tanks, air raid shelters, and an alcohol production plant for fuel. Now repurposed as a sustainable rum distillery and bonded storage maturation cellar, this historic location blends wartime legacy with modern eco-friendly distilling practices.

Purchased in the early 1970s by Hannah’s father, the site became the base for several agricultural enterprises still run today by her brother Will. These businesses produce molasses-based animal feed, crop nutrition products supporting regenerative farming, and AdBlue for reducing vehicle CO2 emissions. Their synergy with Distinct Distillers enables a truly circular economy, turning distilling by-products into resources that restore soil health and promote British farming.

A chance encounter with a bartender ignited our passion for rum—a spirit previously unfamiliar to us. Fascinated by the parallels between distillation and our family’s manufacturing heritage, Hannah trained at Diageo to master the art of rum, while Josh transitioned from music to distilling. Together, we combined our expertise to build a distillery that prioritizes quality, sustainability, and innovation from fermentation to maturation.