Lovers of quality whisky and gin were in seventh heaven at the weekend with the relaunch of Carlisle’s House of Malt.

Formerly tucked away on Crosby Street, near the city centre, the shop has taken on a new lease of life in bigger premises on Warwick Road.

In the two years since he launched the business, Ben Turnbull, 34, says that Carlisle has shown itself to be a city of discerning drinkers. He has transformed the former Lloyds Pharmacy premises into a shop worthy of the quality spirits.

There is a glass floor, a dedicated tasting room, and - most impressive of all - a chandelier created from 500 Glencairn whisky glasses.

But how did the new shop - selling quality whiskies, wines, craft beers, and the city’s first ever Carlisle gin - go down with the punters? “Really well,” said Ben.

“We’ve had an absolutely crazy time, working through the night to get everything sorted.

“But the opening was a success. The shop was packed. People were amazed by the effort we have put in. Everybody had a great time.” Ben explained why he launched the business in his home city.

“I’ve always loved whisky,” he said.

“But I think the business has grown out of my love for craft and quality. There’s not much value to be had in cheap. By spending a little bit extra you can get much better quality.

“And there’s a lot of good taste in Carlisle.

“People know the difference between poor quality and high quality products; and high quality is not always necessarily always more expensive.

“We’ve also launched the first Carlisle gin: it’s a very good dry gin. We have a long-term goal of bringing a distillery to Carlisle.”

Judging by the first day of trading in Warwick Road, that idea may well have traction as the business sold half of its first 340 batch of bottles of Carlisle gin.

Ben said that at some point in the future the Carlisle House of Malt - currently open Monday to Saturday - may also open on Sundays too.

Glencairn whisky glasses are known as the official whisky glass and the firm sponsored the chandelier by donating the ones used to make it.

WHISKY FACTS

  • The word whisky has its roots in the Latin phrase “Aqua Vitae” – meaning “water of life”.
  • Whisky contains more than double the flavour components of its nearest competitors – cognac and rum.
  • Up to 80 per cent of the flavour of the final whisky derives from the cask it matures in.
  • Whisky is made in over 30 countries, including Japan, India, Taiwan, Sweden, New Zealand, the USA - and England.