(Image Source: Oxford Artisan)

UK's Oxford Artisan Distillery now counts Diageo's accelerator Distill Ventures as an investor.

Oxford Artisan, which started in 2016, was created to shine a spotlight on heritage grains that have been revived by the distillery's team. They aim to produce whisky using these biodiverse grain varietals, incorporating the Restorative Continuous Grain Cropping practice of grain farming.

Read our deep dive into the Jurassic Park of whisky - a little distillery's effort to revive 14th Century grains!

“Over the last few years we have seen the industry take major steps towards addressing the climate crisis, but we have a responsibility to do more in tackling sustainable farming and grain production.

With Diageo and Distill Ventures’ support, we believe we can use whisky to further a revolution in the field. We have been blown away by the team’s belief in our mission and could not be happier to be entering the next stage of our journey with them alongside.”

- Dave Smith, The Oxford Artisan Distillery CEO

“Grain is becoming an important part of how whisky producers are continuing to innovate and develop new styles and flavours, and the heritage grains used by Oxford Artisan Distillery, together with their ground-breaking approach to farming in a sustainable way, make this one of the most exciting distilleries in the English whisky scene, and we’re delighted to be able to support them in their development.”

- Frank Lampen, founder and CEO of Distill Ventures

The minority investment will seek to enable the distillery to upgrade and expand its production sites, as well as support brand building and the enhancement of consumer experiences.

Kanpai!

88 Bamboo Editorial Team