@hensolcastledistillery
The Hensol Estate, located just outside of Llantrisant, dates back to the 1400s. Technically it’s a castellated manor house, not a castle, but it certainly looks the part. And down in the cellars, you’ll find Hensol Castle DIstillery.
The distillery started in late 2019, but shortly afterwards the pandemic hit, and the castle mostly produced hand sanitiser. In 2021, they could get back to making the gin they set out to make in the first place. They now make gin, vodka, rum, and have a whiskey on the way.
Chris Leeke, founder of the distillery, has worked in hospitality for 25 years. After realising the potential of the castle as an events space, it seemed that the logical next step was to use more of the venue for a distillery to curate unique Welsh spirits. Chris is a self-described “enthusiastic layman”, and loves working alongside his team of distillers and learning about the craft. “Listening to them talking about spirits and seeing the thought and effort they put into designing our liquids always brings a smile to my face!”
