Are you ready to embark on a captivating journey that combines history, innovation, and the art of spirits creation? Look no further, for Hensol Castle Distillery is seeking a Trainee Distiller to join our spirited team
About the team
Hensol Castle Distillery is the UK's only distillery based in the cellars of a grade 1 listed castle. The family run company is part of the long-established and successful Leekes Retail & Leisure Group of companies.
Joining our team means that you will be part of a highly motivated, focused and supportive work environment with excellent opportunities.
Not only does our distillery produce the award winning Hensol Castle Gin, we also work collaboratively with numerous spirit brands with our state of the art contract bottling plant.
The role is a full-time position based at Hensol Castle Distillery, working 37.5 hours per week over 5 days.
In return we offer a number of benefits including;
* Retail discount across the Leekes Retail & Leisure Group including Leekes retail stores, the Vale Resort and Hensol Castle Distillery
* Free off-peak gym membership
* Long service awards and recognition
* Pension contribution
* 29 days holiday per annum (with increased holiday entitlement throughout your service)
* Free car parking
About the role
* Complete daily tasks in multiple methods of liquid production across a multitude of different spirit categories including:
* Distillation
* Fermentation
* Maceration
* Compounding
* Blending
* Complete daily liquid work orders and necessary paperwork.
* Working closely with the head distiller to develop new Hensol Castle branded products.
* Maintain standards of practice at BRCGS Standard.
Vision, Mission and Values
At Hensol Castle Distillery, we aim to be an iconic Welsh Distillery and Visitor Centre, producing high-quality drinks in a heritage location. Our customers are at the heart of everything we do, and we work together as a team in a safe, supportive, and innovative environment.
Primary Purpose of the Role
As a Trainee Distiller, you will learn the craft of distillation and gain hands-on experience in all areas of spirit production. You will support the distilling team in daily operations, help maintain quality standards, and contribute to product development. This role is designed to provide training, mentorship, and progression towards becoming a fully qualified distiller.
Key Responsibilities
* Assist in the day-to-day operation of the distillery under supervision.
* Learn and support the production of spirits and liqueurs according to agreed specifications.
* Carry out routine tasks such as weighing ingredients, monitoring temperatures, recording data, and cleaning equipment.
* Maintain accurate records and logs as directed (e.g., process logs, stock movements).
* Support senior distillers in recipe trials, blending, and product development projects.
* Help prepare and set up for gin school, distillery tours, and events when required.
* Participate in stock checks and basic warehouse duties, including safe handling of ingredients.
* Learn about compliance requirements (HMRC, BRC, health & safety, hygiene standards).
* Follow health and safety procedures, including PPE, manual handling, and food safety standards.
* Contribute to keeping the distillery, work areas, and equipment clean, tidy, and safe.
Training & Development
* Receive structured training in distilling processes, compliance, and quality standards.
* Gain knowledge of raw materials, fermentation, distillation, blending, and bottling.
* Be supported in developing tasting and sensory evaluation skills.
* Opportunities to learn about customer engagement through tours, tastings, and brand events.
Key Relationships
Internal:
* Head Distiller
* Production and Warehouse Team
* Visitor Centre Team
External (as training develops):
* Suppliers and partners (when accompanied by senior staff)
Key Skills & Attributes
* Enthusiastic about spirits, brewing, and distilling.
* Willingness to learn and follow detailed processes.
* Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
* Good communication and teamwork skills.
* Physically fit and able to carry out manual handling tasks.
* Basic IT and numeracy skills.
* Commitment to high standards of hygiene, safety, and quality.
Progression
This role provides a pathway to becoming a qualified Distiller. With training, experience, and demonstrated competence, you may progress to more senior responsibilities in production, recipe development, and customer engagement.
About Hensol Castle Distillery
Hensol Castle Distillery is wholly owned by the Leeke family, whose great grandfather in 1897 started a small ironmongery business that quickly grew. We like to think that the same guiding principles of hard work, honesty, respect and integrity that drove James Henry Leeke still drive us today and have resulted in a business portfolio that includes the long-established Leekes Retail group, the successful Vale Resort and Hensol Castle, a grade 1 listed 17th century castle that just so happens to have large empty cellars. These cellars now house our distillery and contract bottling plant as well as a top-class visitor attraction and gin school.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From £12.35 per hour
Expected hours: 37.5 per week
Benefits:
* Company pension
* Cycle to work scheme
* Employee discount
* Free parking
* On-site parking
Ability to commute/relocate:
* Pontyclun CF72 8JX: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):
* Please explain how you feel your experince and qualifications are suitable for the role. We will not be pursuing applications that do not comply with this instruction.
Work Location: In person