Grasmere Distillery has unveiled The Pioneers Club, offering whisky enthusiasts a rare opportunity to secure ownership of the first three releases of the distillery’s inaugural English single malt whisky.
Limited to just 1,000 bottles per year, Pioneers Club members will receive a uniquely numbered, gift-boxed bottle every Christmas across three consecutive years: the first release in 2027, the second in 2028, and the final release in 2029. Each annual bottling will be drawn from one of only six casks released that year. With over a third of memberships already sold, interested buyers are encouraged to act quickly.
Every whisky produced by Grasmere Distillery reflects its deep commitment to flavour. By exploring varied mash bills, fermentation methods and barley varieties—and marrying the spirit through a distinctive Solera maturation system using charred oak casks—the distillery has achieved exceptional depth and consistency across its developing whisky range.
Membership of The Pioneers Club is priced at £335. In addition to the three-year allocation of limited-release single malt, members will receive a complimentary bottle of the distillery’s award-winning single-origin Rioja cask rum, due for public release in 2026 (RRP £45). Further benefits include:
- a lifetime 10% discount at the Grasmere Tap Room
- a free distillery tour for the member plus three guests
- priority access to future limited-edition whiskies
- exclusive member-only privileges
Over the past three years, co-founders Paul and Beth Abbott have transformed two modest barns on the shores of Grasmere into one of the UK’s smallest and most characterful distilleries. After beginning development in 2021, the pair launched Grasmere Gin and Grasmere Vodka in 2022, reinvesting revenue from their white spirits to expand production and begin distilling their first single malt whisky.
From the outset, their mission has remained clear: to craft whisky defined by flavour, not scale. Distilling from full-flavoured beer rather than neutral spirit allows the team to experiment with diverse grains, yeast strains and cask seasonings seldom used by larger producers.
Casks are sourced from Speyside Cooperage, including ex-bourbon, brandy and red wine, alongside innovative casks seasoned in-house with Grasmere Rum and cider. The oak used spans French, American, Scottish and English varieties.
Co-founder and head distiller Paul Abbott said:
“We have been amazed by the positive response: hundreds of people backing us, cheering us on, and joining our Pioneers Club in just the first two weeks. It is incredible. We are a tiny startup distillery without big resources, so we rely entirely on whisky lovers to help us bring our single malt to the market. The Pioneers Club represents the beginning of our whisky journey. We wanted to offer something unique to those brave few who supported us from the start. Every bottle reflects our commitment to flavour, craftsmanship and curiosity. We’re excited to share these first releases with people who value small-batch whisky.”
For more information or to join The Pioneers Club, visit:
www.grasmeredistillery.com
