Summary: Dartmoor Whisky Distillery

Company history

• Located in Bovey Tracey, Devon – Devon’s only single malt distillery.
• Founded with inspiration from the Dartmoor landscape and led by Master Distiller Frank McHardy; Greg Millar is the founder.
• Has evolved from small-batch production to a range of core expressions and several limited editions (Islay Aged, Port Aged, First Distillations, etc.), as well as experiential and gift products.
• Includes visits and experiences such as the Whisky & Gin Tasting Experience, along with an expanding gift and Christmas range (Christmas Discovery Set, Christmas Shop).
• Has received coverage in international media (various articles and lists from 2020–2021 and onwards).

Production details

• Small-batch, independent distillation focused on quality and craftsmanship.
• The distillery uses an ex-Cognac still (1966; recently renovated) for production.
• Grows Dartmoor barley and uses Dartmoor spring water; malting through Warminster Maltings – Britain’s oldest active maltings.
• Beer wash is brewed locally to the master recipe by Frank McHardy.
• Cask maturation in three core elements: Ex-Bourbon (American White Oak), Ex-Bordeaux Red Wine, Ex-Oloroso Sherry; later added Ex-Port (Port Aged Whisky).
• Each bottle is 70 cl, 46% ABV, non-chill-filtered and without colorants.
• Focuses on cask profile and geographic provenance with locally sourced ingredients.

Whisky products

• Core Expressions (all single malt, single cask):
• American Oak Ex-Bourbon Cask Single Malt
• Ex-Bordeaux Red Wine Cask Single Malt
• Ex-Oloroso Sherry Cask Single Malt
• Limited Releases and Special Editions:
• 1st Distillation Sherry – Limited Edition – Certificate Included (Five Year)
• Islay Aged Whisky – First Phase Release – Limited Edition
• Islay Aged Whisky – Phase Two Release – Limited Edition
• Port Aged Whisky – Second Phase Release
• First Release Ex-Bordeaux Cask 3 Single Malt
• Founder’s Reserve Bordeaux Supérieur Cask
• Port Aged – Second Phase Release (ex-Port Barrel)
• Islay Aged Whisky – Phase Two Release – Limited Edition (101–200, 200+ priced)
• Ex-Port Barrel (Port Aged Whisky) – 70 cl, 46% ABV
• Exclusive accessories and gift sets:
• Dartmoor Whisky Discovery Set
• Christmas Discovery Set
• Dartmoor Whisky Core Expressions Trio with Discovery Pack
• Artisan Ultimate Collector’s Oak Gift Box (solid oak box, option for personalized engraving)
• Special products and themes:
• Dartmoor Gin and Dartmoor Bramble Blackberry Gin (associated products)
• Various Christmas and gift boxes (Christmas Shop and gift boxes)

Tasting notes (characteristics for key expressions)

• Ex-Bourbon Cask (American Oak):
• Color: Golden
• Nose: Vanilla
• Taste: Toffee, crème brûlée, marshmallow
• Texture/Finish: Sweet, light, honeyed finish
• Ex-Bordeaux Red Wine Cask:
• Nose: Soft fruits, blackcurrant
• Taste: Wine gum fruits, coconut, chocolate
• Finish: Sweet and floral
• Ex-Oloroso Sherry Cask:
• Nose: Distinct sherry, fruity notes
• Taste: Sherry, hazelnut, coconut, marzipan, sultanas; spiced finish with gingerbread/treacle
• Finish: Long, rich and sweet
• Port Aged Whisky (Port Cask):
• Nose: Summer fruits, floral, blackcurrant jam
• Taste: Wine gums, honey, chocolate
• Finish: Long, sweet, fruity with dark notes
• Islay Aged Whisky (Phase One/Two):
• Noted as peated and smoky; combines Dartmoor character with Islay’s peated profile
• 1st Distillation Sherry:
• First-pressed sherry notes blended with fruity and hazelnut elements; deep finish

Events and news

• Tasting Experiences are held regularly (typically Saturdays; include a free glass and 3 tastings plus a gin sample).
• Show dates and events in 2024 (Devon County Show, Flavour Fest in Plymouth, Dartmouth Food Festival, etc.).
• Christmas Shop and Limited Editions launched in season (Christmas Discovery Set, Port Aged, Islay Aged, etc.).
• Mixology Masterclass (Brown Derby) and various recipes and cocktails (Dartmoor Dark Delight, Dartmoor Old Fashioned).
• Media attention: coverage in The Guardian and other outlets as one of England’s rising English single malt producers.

Philosophy and values

• Quality and craftsmanship at the forefront; individual, small-batch production.
• Local ingredients and natural components from Dartmoor National Park.
• Natural provenance and a sustainable approach to cask maturation through globally sourced quality casks.
• A handcrafted narrative around the Dartmoor landscape and Greg Millar’s personal journey to Islay and backstory.
• Openness about experiences and direct sales, as well as unique products (Cask Ownership offers and certificate of ownership).