Lancaster Spirits Co. (LSCo) has named Craig Drake as its new distillery manager as the independent producer progresses toward the launch of its first single malt whisky in 2027. Drake brings extensive experience in premium spirits production, including nearly a decade at Adnams’ Copper House Distillery.
The artisanal grain-to-glass distillery, founded in 2022, operates alongside the multi-award-winning Lancaster Brewery on the fringes of the Forest of Bowland in Lancashire, England. LSCo produces small-batch gin and vodka alongside its developing single malt whisky program.
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In his new role, Drake will oversee production of all spirits at LSCo. His expertise spans fermentation, distillation, and cask management across large-scale distillery operations.
Drake commented on his path into the industry: "I came into the distilling industry by way of a happy accident. 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."
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During nine years at Adnams, Drake contributed to IWSC-recognized spirits including Copper House Gin and Longshore Vodka. He subsequently held roles at distilleries in Essex, Bankhall Distillery in Blackpool and Cumbria, and G&J Distillers under Quintessential Brands.
LSCo takes a notably hands-on approach to production. The distillery creates its own neutral grain spirit from scratch by distilling beer, a process refined over 27 experimental brews. Each batch takes approximately five weeks, beginning with water from the company’s own 80-meter-deep artesian well. Production remains entirely manual, with barley milled fresh daily and mash turned by hand.
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READ THE STORYDrake added: "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."
McFarlane plays a central role in shaping LSCo’s whisky program, leading its long-term maturation strategy and developing future expressions.
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."
The appointment comes as the UK’s craft distilling sector continues to expand, with a growing number of independent producers investing in long-term whisky maturation programs. LSCo continues to produce a range of award-winning gins and vodkas alongside its single malt ambitions.
