New manager of Lancaster distillery appointed

A Lancaster distillery has announced the appointment of its new manager.

Craig Drake is the new distillery manager of Lancaster Spirits Co (LSCo), based at the Lancaster Brewery site at Lancaster Leisure Park.

The firm said this was a "significant step forward as the company progresses towards the launch of its first single malt whisky in 2027".

The distillery produces premium, small-batch gin and vodka, alongside its developing single malt whisky programme.

They said Craig Drake joins LSCo with extensive experience in premium spirits production, bringing a strong track record in quality control, innovation, and end-to-end distilling operations, with expertise spanning fermentation, distillation, and cask management, as well as the operation of specialised stills across large-scale distilleries.

In his new role, Drake will oversee the production of all spirits at LSCo, ensuring the highest standards are maintained.

LSCo's approach to spirit production includes the rare practice of creating its own neutral grain spirit from scratch by distilling beer. #

“I came into the distilling industry by way of a happy accident," said Drake.

"After university, I took on agency work at Adnams Brewery, initially de-shiving casks. Soon after, I was helping commission the Copper House Distillery, where I progressed from cleaning stills to producing gin.”

During his nine years at Adnams, Drake contributed to award-winning spirits including Copper House Gin and Longshore Vodka. He later held roles at distilleries in Essex, Bankhall Distillery in Blackpool and Cumbria, and G&J Distillers under Quintessential Brands.

“I’m really looking forward to being part of Lancaster Spirits Company at such an exciting stage, and to working alongside one of the world’s leading single malt whisky experts, Max McFarlane." said Drake.

Max McFarlane plays a central role in shaping LSCo’s whisky programme, leading its long-term maturation strategy and developing future expressions that define the distillery’s identity.

Christopher Pateman, commercial manager at LSCo, said: “I’m really pleased Craig has joined the team at this point as we progress towards the release of our first single malt in 2027.

"This is a rare opportunity, and one he has fully embraced, to be part of our story from the very beginning.”