Browse through our blog posts to find out what life is like at Hoe Grange Holidays along with some great ideas for days out in the Peak District.
Deep within the Peak District, in an old wire works factory next to an ancient woodland, you can find the incredible White Peak Distillery. I was lucky enough to get a glimpse behind the scenes recently thanks to Visit Peak District & Derbyshire and can highly recommend the distillery tour for whisky connoisseurs and newbies alike!
As the small distillery team explained, when it came to setting up in 2016, the "where" was never in doubt. The dream was to make a true Peak District whisky. They were fortunate to find an amazing location, the former Johnson & Nephew wire works factory, right by the river and an ancient woodland. The building itself is stunning - high ceilings, exposed brick, and echoes of Derbyshire's industrial past everywhere.
As you step inside, you'll be greeted by the distinctive aromas of malted barley and a warm welcome from the team. Don't get too distracted by all the goodies beautifully displayed in the elegant shop as you pass through - there's plenty of time for shopping at the end!
The passionate experts on hand will take you into the heart of the distillery, where you can see every step of their whisky-making process. Each stage is an intricate dance of science and artistry, combining traditional methods with experimentation and cutting-edge technology to produce the best tasting single malt whisky I've ever sampled.
Our guide, Tom, expertly shepherded us through the process, explaining the thought and care that's gone into developing a unique flavour. The local area is at the heart of this, with specially selected English and Derbyshire barley and a unique blend of live yeast developed with reference to Derbyshire's brewing heritage. This is finished with long fermentation in copper pot stills hand-built to the team's designs, and carefully sampled to ensure the right balance comes through.
Their commitment to supporting small and local businesses comes through in their choice of casks too, all of which they source from family-owned businesses where relationships matter. Some have even been used by White Peak Distillery before to make their delicious rums.
The cool climes of the warehouse next to the river are perfect for slowly aging and maturing the whisky, maximising the flavours and characters that define their spirits.
The end result is the exceptional Wire Works whisky, presented in gorgeous bottles inspired by the building's past with delicately twisted wire designs curving around the bottleneck.
No whisky tour is complete without a tasting session, and White Peak Distillery does not disappoint! After your visit to the operational distillery and the awesome cask warehouse, you can settle into the cosy tasting room complete with a log burner and artfully repurposed furniture from the original wire works.
Your guide will take you on a journey from smooth and mellow to bold and peaty, and you'll have the opportunity to pick their brains on the best whisky for you or your friends and family before you go back through the shop.
Both David and Michael are big fans or Wire Works, and even Felicity (who is not a whisky fan!) likes the odd glass, so I left with shopping bags full of different samples, as well as a bottle of their delicious Shining Cliff Gin.
Don't just take my word for it - White Peak Distillery is fast becoming a popular place to visit in the Peak District, and the reviews on TripAdvisor speak for themselves with over 550 5-star ratings. One visitor wrote, "We were given a brilliant and informative tour by Tom, who obviously knew his subject and was totally passionate about it. He managed to impress two whisky drinking Scotsmen with his tour of the distillery. We all bought bottles at the end of the tour and it was good value and an hour and a half well spent!"
Whether you're a seasoned whisky connoisseur or a curious explorer, you'll learn lots and have a truly unforgettable experience that delights your palate. Head over to White Peak Distillery's official website to find out more and plan your trip. The Tours & Events page is packed full information about the different options available, timings and booking details. Be sure to secure your spot in advance, as these tours are a coveted experience for both whisky afficionados and casual enthusiasts alike!
After you've raided the shop, head back to a cosy log cabin or glamping pod at Hoe Grange Holidays. It's the perfect tranquil retreat to enjoy a drop or two of the good stuff after long day exploring the peaks, with views over rolling hills, cosy firepits to gather round, and fresh countryside air. Book your stay and distillery tour now to elevate your next Peak District adventure to very sophisticated heights!
We love supporting local businesses here at Hoe Grange, so we jump at any opportunity to go and look around local attractions or businesses. Whether it's stocking local products in our on-site shop, adding local goodies to our welcome pack, or simply knowing the best places to send guests for a brilliant and personally tailored holiday experience, we take maintaining our local knowledge seriously!
One of the next Visit Peak District & Derbyshire outings is to Forest Distillery, in the heights of the Dark Peak... Funnily enough, we're currently having a big debate in the office on who gets to go on that one!!
- Caroline