Halewood Artisanal Spirits has announced the opening of a new vodka distillery in Russia as the business continues to strengthen its premium artisanal spirits range.

The company has invested £5million in its new J.J. Whitley Russia Distillery in St Petersburg to further enhance the provenance and quality of the products portfolio.

It will be the first British-owned vodka distillery in Russia and will enable the business to draw upon its extensive management experience within the Russian market.

The range will now be produced, bottled and distributed from the new distillery to major international markets around the world, including the UK.

Stewart Hainsworth, group CEO of Halewood Artisanal Spirits, said: “Opening the distillery in St. Petersburg marks a big step forward for our artisanal spirits offering.

“It enables us to offer truly authentic vodka which is distilled in one of Russia’s most historic cities, using superlative quality Russian grain and water.

“J.J Whitley is now perfectly placed to provide supermarkets, convenience stores and the on trade with a premium vodka range that meets this demand for both quality and value.”

Halewood has a strong portfolio of other high growth premium sprits, including Dead Man’s Fingers spiced rum, Rum Sixty Six, The Pogues Irish Whiskey, Gelston’s Irish Whiskey and Crabbie Whisky.

The new distillery in Russia is the thirteenth to officially be in operation across the globe owned by Halewood Artisanal Spirits.

It will draw water from local 160m deep artesian wells, which then pass through four stages of filtration to achieve the balance for distilling premium Russian vodka.

The new J.J Whitley Artisanal Russian Vodka has just been awarded a Gold Medal at this year’s International Wines & Spirits Competition, scoring of 95 out of 100.

In addition to J.J Whitley Artisanal Russian Vodka (38% ABV, RSP £16), the range includes flavoured vodkas at 38% ABV, such as Vanilla, Raspberry, Watermelon & Lime, Blood Orange, and a Toffee flavoured vodka Liqueur (28% ABV).

The new site will also feature the company’s Red Square Vodka brand (38% ABV).