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.
Pricing for the Connoisseur
Rosemaund Farm Distillery offers its 10 Year Old Single Malt English Whisky at £126.00, according to Rosemaund. The distillery also features an ultra-exclusive product priced at £6,000.00, alongside other offerings around £120.00. The aggressive pricing spectrum captures both the emerging high-end English whisky market and the ultra-exclusive collector's segment, while also broadening appeal with more accessible options. The immediate launch of a top-tier £6,000 whisky positions Rosemaund not merely as a new player, but as a direct challenge to established Scotch and Irish brands. The immediate launch of a top-tier £6,000 whisky stakes English whisky's claim to the ultra-premium aged segment, demonstrating confidence in its product quality and brand appeal.
What This Means for English Whisky
Lorna Chase's bold re-entry and ultra-premium positioning appear likely to accelerate English single malt's ascent, attracting further investment and solidifying its place among global luxury spirits.
