The Farm Gate Interview: James Chase from Rosemaund Farm Distillery

Some of our favourite people in Herefordshire live just down the road. James Chase is one of them. He's a co-founder of Rosemaund Farm Distillery, where English single malt is made from grain grown in their own fields and matured beside their own orchards.

Rosemaund is about twenty minutes from the woods, so many of our guests find their way there. For The Farm Gate Interview, we asked James eight quick questions and gave him no time to think. Here's what he said.

One word for Herefordshire that isn't "quiet."

Community.

What's happening at Rosemaund that nobody ever asks about, but should?

The long, quiet process of maturation. It's really where the magic happens, but nobody ever sees it.

Which Brook House Woods stay matches your personality: Journeyman play, or Foxglove quiet?

Journeyman play. Always on the move, always exploring.

(Journeyman is our treehouse and sleeps eight, so there's plenty of room to keep moving.)

If Rosemaund had a soundtrack, what's playing?

Nick Drake, "Pink Moon."

Tell us a Herefordshire secret you probably shouldn't be telling us.

There's a little-known walking route that loops right past the distillery and through some of the best views in the county.

Which local business (not yours) would you send a stranger to?

The Hereford Cider Museum. Incredible history, and the best local ciders.

What's coming up that you're most excited to share?

The Director's Cut and welcoming people back to the distillery.

Describe your perfect Herefordshire afternoon in five words.

Walk, whisky, wildflowers, woodsmoke, pub.

Our take

We think James has it about right. A good afternoon here is slow, outdoors and ends somewhere warm. That's much the same as ours, except we finish at the fire pit or snuggled by the woodburner.

If you'd like to see Rosemaund for yourself, their Wild Kitchen brings together a distillery tour, a tasting and a long table lunch cooked over fire. The next date is 7 November. Rosemaund takes the bookings, so head to their website for details.

Planning a weekend around it?

Journeyman, The Oast House and our four cabins are all about twenty minutes away. If you're celebrating something, or bringing a group, Exclusive Hire gives you the whole farm.