Just three years after selling her previous venture for an estimated £70 million, Lorna Chase has bought back her family's original farm to launch a new 10-year-old English single malt whisky. Chase re-acquired the Rosemaund farm and distillery with her husband and brother-in-law, relaunching it as a dedicated whisky venture, according to Robb Report. Immediate re-entry by a seasoned entrepreneur confirms a bold, personal commitment to shaping English single malt whisky's future.
Chase achieved massive success selling her distillery to a global giant, yet immediately reinvested in a smaller, independent, ultra-premium whisky venture. Her move challenges the industry's perception that scale and corporate backing define luxury. Her proven track record and high-end market entry position English single malt whisky to rapidly elevate its global luxury standing, attracting significant investment and connoisseur attention.
The Orchard Cut: A Decade in the Making
Rosemaund Farm Distillery's inaugural release is The Orchard Cut, a 10-year-old English single malt made entirely from ex-bourbon casks, according to Robb Report and Tanners-Wines. The immediate launch of a decade-aged whisky, despite the re-acquisition, reveals the distillery was already producing and aging under prior ownership. Chase's long-term vision for ultra-premium offerings is confirmed to predate her Diageo exit. The 10-year age statement and ex-bourbon casks firmly position The Orchard Cut as a serious, well-matured contender in the premium single malt category.
From £70 Million Exit to New Beginnings
Lorna Chase co-founded Chase Distillery, which was sold to Diageo in 2021 for an estimated £70 million, reports Robb Report. The substantial exit provided capital and a proven track record for her return to spirits. Reinvesting her £70 million Diageo windfall into an independent, ultra-premium English whisky venture confirms a growing belief among top-tier entrepreneurs: genuine luxury and brand control are increasingly incompatible with corporate giants. Her move prioritizes artisanal control over corporate scale.
