Our Story
A passion for quality spirits, rooted in the rolling hills of South Devon since 2012.
Cosmo Caddy, the founder of Devon Distillery, has quality alcohol production in his DNA. His grandfather created Sharpham Vineyard in South Devon, with the first vines planted in the same year Cosmo was born. Growing up surrounded by the food and drink world — picking grapes at Sharpham from the age of four — gave Cosmo an unshakeable appreciation for craftsmanship and terroir.
After returning from living in California, Cosmo spotted a gap in the UK market: nobody was producing quality grappa. During research visits to Northern Italy, he was mentored by Marco, whose family has a long tradition of award-winning grappa production. In December 2012, Devon Distillery was born.
The first vintage of Dappa was completed in October 2013 — making Devon Distillery the UK's first and only micro distillery producing grape-marc spirit in a similar process to Italian grappa. The pomace is upcycled from English vineyards including Sharpham, Bolney, Three Choirs, and Biddenden, then carefully distilled using a custom-built Italian copper still.
What started as a single product has grown into an award-winning range of five distinct spirits, each handcrafted at the South Devon Food Hub near Totnes with the same attention to quality that defined that first vintage.
Milestones
Cosmo Caddy establishes Devon Distillery, the UK's first micro distillery dedicated to grape-marc spirit, in South Devon.
The inaugural batch of Dappa is distilled in October, using grape skins from some of England's finest vineyards and a custom-built Italian copper still.
Devoncello — Devon's answer to Limoncello — is unveiled at The Shops at Dartington on Good Friday, building on the Elmhirsts' legacy of local enterprise.
Dappa Dark Fire, aged in Pedro Ximenez sherry barrels, is recognised at the Great Taste Awards with a coveted star, alongside continued recognition for the wider range.
Alongside our own award-winning range, we now offer bespoke contract distilling, white-label spirits, and the UK's only licensed mobile still — bringing the art of artisan distilling to businesses and events across the country.
What Drives Us
Every spirit is handcrafted in small batches using traditional methods and the finest ingredients. No shortcuts, no compromises.
Rooted in Devon's rich food and drink heritage, we champion local ingredients and sustainable practices — upcycling grape pomace from English vineyards.
From creating the UK's first grape-marc spirit to operating the only licensed mobile still, we're always pushing boundaries in artisan distilling.
“A delightful amber tone in the glass, with good clarity. The nose is an inviting meld of marc grapiness and sherry nuttiness. The palate is certainly lively, spirituous, with a touch of smoke.”Spirits Judge — Great Taste Awards