Forest Distillery The Cat & Fiddle Macclesfield Forest Cheshire SK11 0AR
Forest Gin absolutely brilliant spirits
Forest Gin absolutely brilliant spirits
Forest Gin absolutely brilliant spirits
From our kitchen table, to the World’s best bars
Our story began in 2014 when Lindsay & Karl Bond began home distilling tiny batches of spirits from the kitchen table in our home next to Macclesfield Forest.
These initial distillations were purely for our own enjoyment, so we threw in handfuls of berries, mosses and ferns which our 6 year old daughter Harriet had foraged from the forest and surrounding hills. Slowly but surely, word spread about our gin, and we decided to decant the liquid into porcelain bottles to see if anybody would be interested in tasting it?
We are very proud to say that things have rapidly moved on. The Forest Distillery has now relocated to join our sister Whisky distillery at the iconic Cat & Fiddle in the Peak District National Park. Our gin is recognised as one of the worlds finest spirits having won an unprecedented two separate double-gold medals at the San Francisco Spirit Awards. Our products are sold in the finest bars, restaurants, hotels and lounges around the world.
We are still a tiny, independent distillery, and between 5 of us here, we continue to produce our products in the same ways that we did at home, using pestle & mortars and tiny 25 litre stills. We forage for our ingredients regularly in the Forest and we always do our very best to ensure that these fresh, natural flavours come through to your glass.
Explore Forest Distillery
Peek into Forest Distillery’s online and on-site store and purchase some one-of-a-kind goodies and keepsakes, whether you’re gifting yourself or a special someone. Or you could always join us for a tour of our distillery.
Forest Gin absolutely brilliant spirits
Multiple Award Winning Forest London Dry Gin
Forest Distillery London Dry Gin – The only gin to win two separate double-gold medals at the San Francisco World Spirit Awards in the same year. Selected as one of the Worlds Best 50 Gins.
Our Award winning Forest London Gin is distilled by our family in the heart of the Macclesfield Forest. Made in batches of 85 bottles at a time each bottle containing only the finest botanicals and water from our distillery spring. Each bottle contains these key elements:
SOURCED
- Organic Juniper Berries
- Organic Coriander Seeds
- Superior quality Vanilla pods, Liquorice root, Angelica and others
FORAGED
- Wild Bilberries, Raspberries & Blackberries
- Peak District Moss & Ferns
- A sprinkling of wild flowers, spruce & pine
WATER
- The softest Forest Spring Water
- From our distillery spring 1,200 ft above sea level
- An ancient spring in the Peak District
- Blended to 42% abv
Forest Gin absolutely brilliant spirits
These ingredients are ground by hand using a pestle & mortar, before being distilled by us here in Cheshire. The alcohol vapour and the flavoursome oils from the botanicals reach our copper condenser, where they are immediately cooled. This fragrant spirit is then blended with our spring water to create unfiltered London Dry Gin of the very highest quality.
Nose: Fresh, green, forest pines
Palette: Initial hit of juniper, with fresh ferns and sweet berries
Finish: Long, deep and earthy from the Peak District moss.
Forest Distillery Earl Grey Forest Gin 70cl Porcelain Bottle
£55.00
Forest Gin absolutely brilliant spirits
Refined & Distinctive
Earl Grey Forest Gin is produced by the Bond family from our award winning distillery in The Peak District National Park.
We pick ingredients from the local forest such as bilberry, wild raspberry, gorse flower, pine and moss. These are ground by hand in a pestle & mortar with traditional gin ingredients, including Organic Juniper, Organic coriander seed, liquorice and vanilla.
These freshly ground ingredients are then distilled just once in our tiny 30 litre pot still, before the addition of an incredible blend of Earl Grey Tea by Cheshire blenders Quinteassential, along with our own spring water from the ground beneath the distillery.
The resulting spirit retains all of the herbal, earthy flavours of Forest Gin, whilst the addition of the Earl Grey Tea blend adds sumptuous, delicate notes from oolong, cornflowers and Sicilian bergamot.
We suggest pouring this with your favorite tonic over ice with a slice of fresh lemon, or it is a fantastic base to add a depth of flavour to many gin cocktails.
Nose: Rich, sweet, distinctive
Palette: Soft Earl Grey tea, warm, smooth, a hint of bitter
Finish: Ripe tannins balanced by sharp citrus zest
In The Spotlight…
Karl Bond Co-owner
A truly family company, Karl, along with his wife Lindsay, are in charge of the still, bottling, management, sales & shipping of Forest Gin and Forest Whisky.
Their daughter, Harriet Bond, leads all foraging missions and is an expert in knowing the best spots for juicy bilberries & ripe raspberries.
Their goal is to make the best tasting gin that they possibly can, from the finest locally sourced ingredients where possible.
Tell us a bit about your business?
We are a small distillery nestled in a remote corner of Macclesfield Forest. Between 5 of us here, we distil Forest Gin and Forest Whisky each day. It is all done by hand and we bottle, market and distribute ourselves.
Forest Gin absolutely brilliant spirits / The Forest Distillery
Tell Us About Your Role Within The Business?
I co-own the business alongside my wife, Lindsay. Lindsay is the practical one, so in charge of all distilling and bottling. My job is to ensure that the customer is happy with their drink, so I take care of all sales, marketing and the back-office stuff.
In your opinion, what is the most interesting/high profile/exciting project you or your business has worked on?
We find every single bit of it exciting, but personally, I love to see our products shipped around the world. There is an amazing luxury store in the heart of Tokyo, and our bottles have pride of place, alongside a photo of our family stood on a draughty hill on the outskirts of Macc!
How long has the business been operating and how long have you been based in Macclesfield?
We began distilling in 2014 from our kitchen table, so the product is very much Macclesfield born and bred.
What made you choose Macclesfield as a place to base your business?
I was born here, my family are all from Macclesfield, my daughter was born in the hospital here, and my business was born here. We had no choice in the matter, but we love it!
What’s the best thing about working in Macclesfield?
The people. Without a doubt, we couldn’t have grown our business without the local support of businesses and the Macclesfield public.
Do You Have Any Specific Future Goals For The Business That You Would Like To Share?
Our distillery tours and bar here are incredibly popular. We have the bar open Tuesdays to Fridays so you can just pop in for a G&T or a bottle of spirit. Tours and talks at weekends are also growing at a rapid rate. We are working closely with Visit Britain to ensure more overseas visitors know about Macclesfield and actually visit the place that they have seen in the photo in Tokyo.
Forest Gin absolutely brilliant spirits / LindsayHattie & KarlBond
The Story of The Cat & Fiddle
1813
The Cat & Fiddle is born
In 1813 a local Silk Merchant called John Ryle purchased a plot of land next to a brand new turnpike road. Upon this plot, he built a beautiful, warm, cosy haven where weary travellers could enjoy a drink and a bite to eat. The weather at this location was often inclement, and Mr Ryle’s Inn soon became a necessary stop when travelling between the towns of Macclesfield and Buxton. He named his Inn, The Cat & Fiddle.
1900’s
The Inn thrives
Over the years, the Inn has played a part in many stories. Some personal, some more of international importance (Charles Rolls regularly used it as stop-off whilst testing cars for his fledgling business with a Mr Royce).
1931
The Robinsons
The Robinsons family purchase the Cat & Fiddle. A much loved Inn that remains in their ownership.
Late 1990s
The Inn struggles to survive
Over the last few decades, like many other pubs, the Inn struggled to survive as a business. Several factors are to blame, but it’s remote, yet beautiful location certainly didn’t help to encourage drinkers to visit and spend time.
Christmas 2014
The Inn closes its doors
The Cat & Fiddle closed its doors on Chrismas Eve for the last time as a pub. The Robinson family worked hard to find the right partner, with the right business plan, who could take The Cat & Fiddle into a sustainable and successful future – it was clear that The Cat & Fiddle needed to operate as more than a pub.
2015
Forest Gin is born
Meanwhile, as the Inn closed, Forest Gin was just starting. A local family began a small business, selling gin which they distilled in their kitchen, using botanicals from the forest below The Cat & Fiddle. They called the product Forest Gin.
May 2019
The Forest Distillery needs more room
The Forest Distillery grew fast and was in urgent need of a space to put barrels of freshly distilled spirit to “sleep” for a few years until it was ready to be enjoyed as English Single Malt Whisky. The Cat & Fiddle just happens to have an extensive network of cellars at 1600 feet above sea level with the most perfect conditions for whisky to mature…coincidence or fate?
Forest Gin absolutely brilliant spirits
November 2019
The Forest moves into The Cat & Fiddle
This iconic pub needed a major transformation to secure its future, including a new environmentally friendly sewage treatment plant and lots of other major refurbishment works, to breathe life in to this legendary hidden gem. In November 2019, we ran a Crowd funder which raised over £55,000 to assist us and Robinsons Brewery to attempt to re-open the Cat & Fiddle as Britains highest altitude distillery.
Today
Renovations are complete!
The Cat & Fiddle has finally been restored to its former glory and is now the home of our award winning Forest Distillery. We hold regular tours around the distillery. Our shop has been opened where you can browse our fantastic range of distillery products along with a large variety of locally sourced goods.
The Forest Distillery Bottle
The finest spirits deserve a beautiful bottle
In a desire to try to source our ingredients and materials from within the local area, the natural vessel to hold our spirits is Staffordshire Porcelain, made in the heart of the Potteries.Our bespoke bottles are made for us using traditional methods, and the final bottle is fully vitrified, meaning they are fired to a temperature which ensures the porcelain will not absorb any moisture, flavour, odour or stains. Our Forest Whisky bottle is glazed in real gold to showcase the colour of the liquid inside.
The Forest Gin Artwork is a one of a kind commission by the respected Paper cut artist Suzy Taylor, whilst our Forest Whisky artwork is beautifully cut by Georgia Low.
Each artwork is cut from a single piece of paper using a scalpel and a magnifying glass in a painstaking process.
The artwork is applied by hand to each bottle. The final piece is a practical, yet beautiful, porcelain decanter, which we hope that you will re-use and treasure for years to come.
Forest Gin absolutely brilliant spirits
We turn used bottles in to candles
Bring your ceramic bottle back to us, and we will re-use it to create our gorgeous-smelling soy candles.
Available to purchase from our shop – online or in-person at The Forest Distillery Shop.
Forest Distillery Tours
A Taste of Forest
- Location Macclesfield
- Price from £ 15,00
Highlights
Join us for a Taste of Forest.
One hours visit to the UK’s highest altitude distillery! Inclusive of our Classic Forest London Dry & Tonic, followed by two neat samples, . £15 plus booking fee per adult.
1PM – 1:45PM
About this event: Forest Gin & tonic on arrival. One of our team will talk you through the tasting profiles of our spirits, enjoy a brief introduction to the botanicals we used in our spirits and learn how our spirits came to be. Enjoy a guided tasting of our Forest Earl Grey Gin and Forest Blended Whisky. You are welcome to stay in our cosy distillery bar afterwards for a cheeky tipple or two. Limited spaces, this event must be booked in advance.
Due to our remote location, we reserve the right to cancel the event at short notice in the event of poor weather conditions (snow!). In such an event, you will be offered a full refund or an alternative date.
Our tours & tastings are strictly over 18’s only, we cannot permit any children or infants on our tours. Please note that the maximum group size is 8 adults. If you are interested in a large group private tour please contact events@theforestdistillery.com.
Please note that unfortunately dogs are not permitted on these tasting events. We do not have WiFi on site so please be prepared to miss the outside world whilst here!
Inclusions
- Drink
The Forest Distillery Cocktail Club at The Cat & Fiddle.
- Location Macclesfield
- Price from £ 35,00
Forest Gin absolutely brilliant spirits
Highlights
Join our Weasels every last Friday of the month for our Cocktail Club!
Taking place in our cosy Distillery Bar at The Cat & Fiddle.
We will showcase different exclusive cocktails using our award winning spirits with a breakdown of the recipe so you can make them yourselves at home!
You will be treated to 3 fabulous cocktails on the way and some cheeky cocktail samples.
A few nibbles will be included; please contact events@theforestdistillery.com with any dietary requirements.
With the option to stay and enjoy some extra time in our Distillery bar and order more drinks of your own choosing.
Arrival 18:00 – Start Time 18:30 – Finish 20:30 – Closing 21:30
Over 18’s Only.
Please note that we are in a remote location so a designated driver or some forward planning with transport will be required. Due to our remote location, we reserve the right to cancel the event at short notice in the event of poor weather conditions (snow!). In such an event, you will be offered an alternative date.
Inclusions
- Food Nibbles
- Drink 3 Forest Distillery Cocktails! and 2 samples!
- Warm Clothing Needed
Cat & Fiddle Distillery Bar Table Reservation
- Location Macclesfield
- Price from £ 5,00
Highlights
Book a table for up to 8 people in our fantastic 200-year-old bar! Cosy up in an armchair and choose from our extensive drinks menu.
One ticket books one person onto a table, the cost of £5 will be deducted off your bill.
We also have a selection of bar snacks available.
Please note, that unless you book further tickets, then you will need to vacate your seat after 2 hours for the next guests.
Inside tables are only available by pre-booking Tours, tastings, and events must be pre-booked via our website.
Outside tables are available for walk-ins.
In our bottle shop you will find Forest Distillery bottles, wines and a range of gifts and treats.
We are cashless. Cards only.
Please Do Not Forget!! Please pop your vehicle registration in at the till when visiting!!
Car parking is available, please be aware that our car park has a Smart Parking system in place so please enter your vehicle registration into the Ipad provided.
There is a bus service that stops right outside of Cat and Fiddle, Forest Whisky Distillery! High Peaks 58 – link below to help plan your trip!
How can I contact the organizer with any questions?
Any questions don’t hesitate to email events@theforestdistillery.com or call us on 01260 253245 / Table Reservations Ext 2 : 2 / Tours and Events Ext 2 : 1
Please note, unfortunately, we do not cater for Hen or Stag parties.
What’s the refund policy?
Our standard policy is that tickets are non-refundable and cannot be exchanged for another date. However, if your table reservation is affected by government guidelines on Covid, then, of course, we will happily offer you alternative dates, or a full refund (minus booking fees)
Do you allow dogs and children?
The Cat and Fiddle shop is open to the general public Friday 11pm-5pm, Saturday & Sunday 11pm-6pm
The Cat and Fiddle bar is open to the general public Friday 12pm-4pm, Saturday & Sunday 12pm-6pm
During these times, we do allow well-behaved children and (dry) dogs.
Can I Buy a Bottle?
Purchases of an extra G&T, a cocktail, or beers are available from the bar. Purchases of Forest merchandise, sweet treats, and bottles are available in our little shop. Most major credit cards are accepted.
Inclusions
- Drink A Welcome Drink from our Premium Drinks List
Cat & Fiddle Forest Gin Distillery Tour
- Location Macclesfield
- Price from £ 25,00
Highlights
One and half hour visit to the UK’s highest altitude distillery! Inclusive of two drinks, two neat samples, gin talk and tour of the distillery. £25 plus booking fee per adult. Available on Saturdays & Sundays at 12pm.
About this event:
- Forest Gin & tonic on arrival.
- History of gin – One of our team will talk you through the remarkable rise, fall, and rise again of the spirit!
- Break
- Learn about our company history and the story behind our artwork and bottles.
- Discover how we create our award-winning gin with an introduction to the botanicals and the process we use to distill. Enjoy a neat tasting experience of both of the gins that we produce.
- We will then saunter over to the distillery to show you the equipment we have in the barn across the way. We’ll talk you through how we produce our award-winning gin and give you the chance to ask any questions that you may have about them.
- Your second gin and tonic will be served, accompanied by a description of the perfect serve.
Due to our remote location, we reserve the right to cancel the event at short notice in the event of poor weather conditions (snow!). In such an event, you will be offered a full refund or an alternative date. Likewise, in the event of a COVID-related cancellation, we will offer alternatives or refunds.
Our tours & tastings are strictly over 18’s only, we cannot permit any children or infants on our tours. Please note that the maximum group size is 8 adults. If you are interested in a large group private tour please contact events@theforestdistillery.com.
Please note that unfortunately dogs are not permitted on the tour.
We do not have WiFi on site so please be prepared to miss the outside world whilst here!
Inclusions
- Drink 2 x Forest Gin and Tonics & 2 x Forest Gin Neat Samples
Forest Gin absolutely brilliant spirits
