Earlier this month, one of the latest names in the English whisky scene launched a unique whisky experience that combined a distillery tour, telling the story of their field to glass approach, and a premium dining event showcasing the finest local produce.

Rosemaund Distillery launched their first whisky - a limited edition 10 year old single malt - back in September, however the brand’s story is much more complex than a recent release might suggest.

The distillery’s roots date back to 2008 when the Chase family set up the Chase Distillery in Herefordshire. Originally producing vodka and gin, they also distilled spirit destined to become English single malt whisky.

In 2021 Diageo acquired both the distillery and the Chase spirits brand. However at the start of this year the drinks giant decide to close the distillery and move spirits production for these brands to Scotland. As such the distillery was sold back to the Chase family, though the Chase brand of gin and vodka remained with Diageo.

Included in the sale was 500 barrels of whisky which was approaching readiness to bottle. Skip forward a few months and the first release of Rosemaund Farm Whisky is bottled and sold via a successful ballot.

Guy Ritchie came onto the scene as an investor when the Chase family reclaimed their distillery. James Chase - who oversees Rosemaund's business and commercial operations - explains how the acclaimed film maker got involved with the distillery:

“We’ve known Guy for a while, he shares our love of farming and kind of countryside and the values of family. We were introduced through a friend, and… after a few whiskies and some promising conversation, he was really kind of wanting to get involved in a project like this.

“He’s a creative collaborator in the business, so he’s been really kind of getting to know Tristan [Stephenson, master blender and author] and advising on everything from the design and where we’re steering the brand.”

Whether or not Rosemaund whisky will make a cameo in Ritchie’s next film remains a tight-lipped secret. While hopeful, James simply said “I can’t specifically give away too much.”

What they can talk about is Ritchie bringing his WildKitchen concept to Rosemaund Distillery. Ritchie first conceived the WildTable at his Ashcombe Estate in 2015 and has since distilled and refined the idea into WildKitchen, the ultimate outdoor dining experience.

James notes: “Where Guy really has helped out is he’s given the business a WildKitchen, which is one of his outdoor cooking tents, which he’s really passionate about, so grilling and connecting people over fire.”

The whisky tour and WildKitchen combination officially launched earlier this month - a four hour experience bringing together a whisky tour and tasting with premium dining in the idyllic surroundings of the farm and its orchards and meadows.

A statement from the distillery described the events as “an afternoon of good company, great produce, and a rare glimpse into the craft and place behind Rosemaund Farm Whisky.

“Each menu is seasonal and ingredient-led, featuring produce grown, reared, or foraged within a few miles of the distillery. Expect simple, generous cooking over fire, paired with house spirits and a glass or two of something local.”

Outdoor barbecue-style dining is fun, and we’re left to wonder if Ritchie’s experience includes cooking your food over two smoking barrels…

Tickets for these experiences are £120 per person and each event can hold 24 people. At the time of writing, these experiences will run monthly between December and April (except January), so we suggest moving quickly if you want to Snatch yourself a ticket.

Enquiries and bookings can be made on Rosemaund’s website.