As part of the upcoming Derwent Distillery Open Day, we’re hosting an exclusive, limited-seat tasting sessions designed for those who want to go a little deeper.

The Cask Connection — with Robbie Gilligan

Every cask has a past. Come and taste how that past shapes the whisky.

Join Derwent Distillery Owner and Head Distiller Robbie Gilligan for a special guided tasting exploring one of the most fascinating parts of whisky making the connection between the cask and the final spirit.

As part of the Derwent Distillery Summer Open Day, you’ll taste four Derwent Distillery single malt whiskies, each explored alongside the wine, spirit or beer that previously occupied its cask.

It’s a rare opportunity to taste the two side-by-side and discover for yourself where some of those distinctive flavours, aromas and characteristics in our whisky begin.

Your tasting will include:

French Oak Cask Matured Whisky VS Seppeltsfield Para Tawny - explore the rich fruit, oak and sweetness carried from cask to whisky.
Botrytis Cask Matured Whisky VS Botrytis Semillon dessert wine - discover the luscious, honeyed character behind one of our favourite cask maturations.
Limited Christmas Cask Release VS Captain Bligh’s XX beer (extra extra long cask matured) that previously occupied the cask - a fascinating example of how an entirely different style of cask can influence single malt.
Plus a sneak peek of an upcoming limited release - be among the first to taste something new from the Derwent Distillery bond store before its official release.

Throughout the tasting, Robbie will share the stories behind the casks, why they were chosen, how they influence maturation and what he looks for when deciding a whisky is ready.

You don’t need to be a whisky expert. The Cask Connection is designed for anyone who loves whisky, flavour, craftsmanship or simply wants to understand a little more about what happens inside the cask.

Four whiskies. Four stories. And a chance to taste the connection for yourself. Places are limited for this intimate tasting experience, so bookings are essential.

Please note: The Open Day entry is complementary. These are paid ticketed seated tastings. 18+ only.

Contact the host of The Cask Connection - With Robbie Gilligan