REVIEW: A Spirited Afternoon at Witchmark Distillery

Tucked away in the picturesque Wiltshire countryside, our recent visit to Witchmark Distillery proved to be a truly fascinating experience. Situated on the historic Fonthill Estate, the distillery blends heritage, craftsmanship and storytelling into a truly memorable tour.

A Distillery With Deep Local Roots

Witchmark Distillery sits in the village of Fonthill Bishop, housed inside a beautifully restored Grade II listed barn dating back to the 1600s, while a neighbouring grain drying barn now serves as the visitor centre and shop. 

The historic setting gives the distillery a wonderful sense of character. Think oak beams, stone walls and gleaming copper stills sitting side by side, creating a perfect blend of old and new. 

The distillery was founded with the goal of producing premium English whisky, though as whisky requires years to mature, visitors currently get to enjoy the distillery’s growing range of gin and vodka while the first whisky casks quietly age in the background. 

What makes the operation particularly unique is its “grain-to-glass” philosophy. Much of the barley used in production is grown on the surrounding estate, and the water used in distillation is naturally filtered through limestone beneath the Wiltshire downs before making its way into the spirits. 

The Story Behind the Name

Perhaps the most intriguing element of the distillery is its name.

“Witchmark” refers to mysterious medieval symbols carved into the stone walls and wooden beams of historic buildings across the Fonthill Estate. These carvings were believed to protect buildings from evil spirits. Many of these marks still exist in the estate’s historic structures today.

Inside the Distillery Tour

The tour itself lasts around 90 minutes and offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how Witchmark creates its spirits. 

Our experience began with an introduction to the distillery’s origins and its vision for producing English whisky.

From there, we were guided through the working distillery where the process of spirit production was explained step by step.

Visitors learn how Witchmark creates its own neutral grain spirit, which forms the base for their gin and vodka. This is something many distilleries outsource but Witchmark produces entirely on site. The tour also explores the whisky-making process, from fermentation and distillation through to the casks where the spirit will mature for years before becoming whisky.

Seeing the copper stills, polished pipework and carefully organised distillery floor was a highlight. Everything felt meticulously maintained and clearly run with real pride in the craft.

The Tasting Experience

Of course, no distillery tour would be complete without a tasting.

At the end of the tour, we were invited to sample a selection of Witchmark’s spirits during a guided tasting session. 

For those driving, the distillery thoughtfully provides a takeaway sample pack so you can enjoy the spirits later, a small but appreciated touch.

Final Thoughts

Our visit to Witchmark Distillery was both enjoyable and enlightening. The combination of historic surroundings, passionate storytelling and excellent spirits makes the experience feel far more personal than a typical distillery tour.

If the enthusiasm and craftsmanship we saw during the tour are anything to go by, it’s certainly a distillery worth watching.

For anyone looking for a unique day out in Wiltshire, whether you’re a whisky enthusiast, a gin lover, or simply curious about the craft behind the spirits, Witchmark Distillery offers a truly memorable experience.

 

 

 

 

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