Essex Spirits Co(The Essex Distillery)

Zane Chiswell-Rivas, a former cocktail bartender, started distilling in his grandmother's garage during the first lockdown of 2020, moving the operation to Unit 32 of the Waterhouse Business Centre on Cromar Way in Chelmsford as it grew. The distillery now produces three gins, a vodka and a rum under the Essex Spirits Co name, alongside seasonal releases. A taproom on the first-floor mezzanine opens every Saturday from noon to 6pm, offering tastings, refills and a chance to buy direct from the site rather than through a retailer. Behind-the-scenes tours take visitors down into the production room to see the stills and bottling line, ending with a tasting of the core range. A make-your-own-spirit session also runs for small groups by appointment.