Something of a pioneer in the Peak District (a place not exactly known for its whisky) White Peak Distillery makes small-batch spirits inspired by its beautiful location on the edge of Shining Cliff Woods next to the River Derwent.

As well as crafting Wire Works Whisky and Derbyshire Cask Aged Rum, it also produces Shining Cliff Gin, a floral-style gin made of 13 locally-found botanicals vapour-distilled to capture each delicate flavour. There may be no whisky heritage in the Peaks, but White Peak is creating its own, using a unique yeast blend with links to Derbyshire’s brewing heritage. Fermentations are long, to develop flavour before its left to mature in casks. And did I mention the bottles? These are spirits you’ll want to display, from the tactile, shapely rum bottle to the elegant twisted neck on the whisky.

Intrigued? Book a tour and go behind the scenes to see how this cool distillery packs craft and character into its spirits – from the hand-built copper pot stills and cask storage to ‘Betty’, a characterful 600 litre spirits still. Tasting tours run in small groups of 16 and last about an hour and there’s a choice of three so that you can tailor it to your own interests. After soaking up the atmosphere, heat and smells of the distillery, it’s back to the tasting room to try a few tipples and the chance to have a chat. Bullseye as an experience gift for tricky-to-buy-for pals or partners.

There’s an on-site shop where you can snaffle your favourite spirits afterwards or you can shop in the online store at your leisure.

Adding to that cool, hipster vibe White Peak has also started up Yellow Wood Sessions in its nearby woodland. Expect laid-back summer evenings of chilled live music and food with a woodland bar. I’ll see you at the bar.