North Wales is fast becoming a destination for lovers of local beer, whisky and gin. Beyond stunning scenery and historic towns, there’s a growing number of independent breweries and distilleries offering tours, tastings and unique experiences. From coastal breweries to a whisky distillery with views over Snowdonia, here’s your guide to exploring the craft drink scene this year.
Aber Falls Whisky Distillery
At the foot of the famous Aber Falls waterfall near Abergwyngregyn, Aber Falls Distillery is the first whisky distillery in North Wales in over a century. Here you can take a guided tour to see how their single malt whisky and handcrafted gins are made, sample a selection of award‑winning spirits and soak up the dramatic surroundings. The visitor centre also has a café and shop selling whisky, gin, liqueurs and local produce. Tours generally run daily between around 10 am and 4 pm, though booking ahead is advised.
Conwy Brewery
In the village of Llysfaen near Colwyn Bay, Conwy Brewery offers a welcoming brewery experience with a taproom where visitors can enjoy freshly brewed ales with views across the Irish Sea. Weekend tours are available most Saturdays and Sundays, including bank holiday weekends, letting guests see the brewing process first‑hand and enjoy a pint or two in a relaxed setting with live music and street food vans on occasion.
Micro‑breweries and Taprooms
North Wales has a growing number of smaller breweries producing distinct beers that reflect local tastes and ingredients. Bragdy Nant, based in Llanrwst, produces a range of cask and bottle‑conditioned ales and is one of the breweries behind the historic Albion Ale House in Conwy’s town centre, which showcases a rotating selection of ales from North Wales breweries.
Other local brewers include Wild Horse Brewing Co in Llandudno and Bragdy Conwy Brewery, each offering distinctive beers worth sampling. Many of these micro‑breweries can be enjoyed as part of the North Wales Way food and drink trail, which suggests a tour route highlighting local producers along the region’s scenic roads.
Snowdonia Distillery
For gin lovers, Snowdonia Distillery crafts small‑batch spirits using hand‑foraged botanicals inspired by the North Wales landscape. Their award‑winning Forager’s Gin and Marsette liqueurs reflect a slow, thoughtful approach to distillation, with flavour profiles shaped by local botanicals such as gorse and hedgerow fruits.
Plan Your Visit
Most breweries and distilleries in North Wales welcome casual visitors, but experiences vary. Brewery tours may be booked ahead for weekends or group visits, while distillery tours and masterclasses often require advance booking to secure a place. Many venues also pair tastings with food options, making them great stops on a day out exploring the region’s countryside, valleys and coastline.
Whether you’re a craft beer enthusiast, a whisky fan or simply curious about how your favourite drinks are made, there’s plenty to savour in North Wales’s burgeoning craft drink scene.
