Could there be a more perfect venue to learn the art of spirit mixology than an old school science lab?

Welcome to Mercia Spirits Lab where a range of experiences from whisky tasting to creating the ideal gin cocktail will be on offer.

Located within the grounds of Staffordshire's Grade II listed Georgian mansion Bishton Hall, the Mercia Spirits Lab officially opens its doors on Friday November 12th.

It has been created by Mercia Whisky, which has agreed a long-term lease on the school lab with Bishton Hall's owner Charles Hanson.

The 1950s old school lab has undergone a complete transformation to host the experiences, provide a dedicated retail space for a range of merchandise as well as becoming the company's new HQ.

Mercia Whisky co-founder Jez Roney said: “Myself and co-founder Oz Horrocks had been searching for the ideal location for us to expand the business and open it to a wider audience.

“We were made aware of the availability of the science lab at Bishton Hall and upon seeing it, we knew straight away it was ideal. It offers us a range of possibilities to host private events, organise tastings and share our passion for whisky.”

Over the past two months, the lab has undergone a major makeover but the Mercia Spirit Lab has retained many of the school laboratory's features including the central wooden workbench complete with Belfast sinks.

The room's décor features separate gin and whisky walls and gives a nod to the production of both spirits with large apothecary jars and blood tub whisky casks.

It also has an industrial feel with copper, brass, large iron doors and mood lighting. Future plans include installing a working still in the lab for gin production, while the agreement with Bishton Hall also comes complete with a cellar to hold two whisky barrels.

Roney added: “The room is just incredible and I can't think of anywhere more appropriate to do blending and cocktail experiences than a science lab.

“There has been a lot of work going on behind the scenes to get it ready opening. We're looking forward to welcoming gin and whisky enthusiasts to our experiences.”

The Mercia Spirits Lab will be open Wednesday to Saturday 10am to 7.30pm and from 11am to 5.30pm on Sundays.

The opening of the Mercia Spirit Lab follows the launch of the company's first two products. A small batch four-month-old rye spirit and its unique White Dog Spirit, which enables drinkers to custom-age 'straight from the still' whisky using a selection of infused oak staves.

Mercia Whisky will be offering a White Dog Spirit experiences at the Mercia Spirit Lab.

Full details on the range of experiences and prices will be available soon on the Mercia Whisky website - https://merciawhisky.co/

ENDS

Issue date: 10th November 2021

Images: Find a selection of images in this dropbox. https://www.dropbox.com/sh/bdyd6wqc7chx7hw/AAAVjReXDc4LS-oopCtw6998a?dl=0

NB, if you use either Bishton Hall image please credit Hansons

Contact: Lee Mclaughlan at Auvent PR.

Email: hello@auventpr.com

Tel: 0121 318 5800 or 07533 739260

About Mercia Whisky Co.

Mercia Whisky is an ambitious English whisky start-up which embodies the Anglo-Saxon heritage. The Mercia Whisky brand is bold, brazen and expresses the warrior spirit.

Located in Staffordshire, Mercia Whisky is forging ahead with plans to build its own distillery in the ancient kingdom of Mercia, which is expected to be operational by 2023.

Founded in September 2020 by passionate 'bourbon' drinkers Jeremy 'Jez' Roney and Paul 'Oz' Horrocks, the two friends and co-founders are on a journey to create the UK's finest rye whisky.

Mercia Whisky launched its first products in 2021. A small batch new make rye and its unique White Dog Spirit project, which offers the opportunity to custom-age 'straight from the still' spirit.

Links

https://merciawhisky.co/

https://www.instagram.com/merciawhiskyco

https://www.facebook.com/Merciawhiskycompany/