Batch proving just the tonic

Spirits are higher than ever at a Burnley based micro gin distillery with news that production is set to increase fivefold.
Batch Brew director Phil Whitwell, head distiller Emma and Burnley Council Executive member Sue Graham (s)Batch Brew director Phil Whitwell, head distiller Emma and Burnley Council Executive member Sue Graham (s)
Batch Brew director Phil Whitwell, head distiller Emma and Burnley Council Executive member Sue Graham (s)

Batch Brew, which currently produces 200 bottles a week, is expecting that number to rise to 1,000 by the end of the year.

And the family-run firm, who class high end retailers such as Booths as customers, is now looking to recruit an apprentice distiller to help with demand.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Director Phil Whitwell said: “We are a small, but very ambitious business, who loves our distilling craft.

“We are looking for a production apprentice who would learn all aspects of distilling initially and could go on to focus on a particular area of distilling that they most enjoy.

“Our apprentice would be closely nurtured in our distilling craft and the role would offer opportunities to travel throughout Europe and the US when promoting our product.”

Phil added: “Starting from the fermentation side right through to bottling, the apprentice would gain a range of skills in proofing, distillation, blending, cleaning tanks, and helping to build stills, as we are looking to resell our still design and manufacture stills for other micro-distilleries.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“The apprentice would be part of our close-knit family business with a unique opportunity to learn a distinct craft and be part of a growing scene. With Christmas orders starting to come in online we are looking to recruit someone as soon as possible. ”

Batch Brew has recently received a grant to support its growth from Burnley Council which has helped them to purchase new distillery equipment which will enable their projected growth, and have pledged their commitment to growing the distillery here in Burnley.

Burnley Council’s Executive member for regeneration and planning policy, Sue Graham, visited Batch Brew to see how the council’s support was helping the business.

She said: “It is wonderful to see the process behind distilling the gin, and to hear about the growth of Batch Brew, and their commitment to growing here in Burnley.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“They are another business who has praised the proactive business support the council offers.

“Working at Batch Brew would be a unique opportunity to learn about distilling and a great apprentice opportunity to work in the distilling industry.”