Operating a microbrewery or distillery comes with unique risks that require specialist insurance coverage

Protecting Cumbrian Microbreweries & Distilleries with Comprehensive Insurance

Essential Insurance for Microbreweries, Distilleries, and Artisan Gin Producers
Cumbria’s craft brewing and distilling scene is flourishing, with independent producers creating high-quality beers, artisan gins, and small-batch whiskies that are gaining recognition across the UK. From vibrant microbreweries to innovative gin distilleries, these businesses play a key role in the region’s economy and cultural identity. But behind every handcrafted bottle lies a complex operation that faces a unique set of risks - making specialist insurance essential.

Operating a microbrewery or distillery involves significant investment in equipment, stock, and premises. It also requires compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations, as well as the ability to respond quickly to any disruption. At HH Insurance Brokers, we understand the intricacies of the craft beverage industry and offer tailored insurance solutions designed to protect what matters most to your business.

Protecting Your Business from the Unexpected
One of the most important aspects of brewery and distillery insurance is Public and Product Liability. Whether you're welcoming guests for a tasting session or distributing your products across the UK, there’s always a risk of injury or illness. Public Liability Insurance covers claims made by third parties, while Product Liability Insurance protects you if a fault in your product leads to harm or damages.

Craft producers who transport goods - whether locally around Cumbria or further afield - should also consider Goods in Transit Insurance, which safeguards your valuable stock against loss, theft, or damage while it's being delivered.

Specialist equipment such as brewing vessels, fermentation tanks, and bottling lines are the backbone of your production. Stock and Equipment Insurance ensures that these high-value assets are protected from risks like fire, flooding, theft, or accidental damage. It also covers your raw materials and finished products, which can be just as costly to replace.

Unforeseen events can disrupt your entire operation. That’s where Business Interruption Insurance comes in. If an incident like a fire or natural disaster forces you to temporarily close your doors, this cover helps maintain cash flow by compensating for lost income and fixed costs during downtime.

In a tightly regulated industry, even a minor issue such as contamination or labelling error could lead to a full-scale recall. Product Recall Insurance can cover the significant costs of recalling products and help preserve your brand’s reputation.

As sustainability and environmental responsibility become increasingly important, so do the associated risks. Environmental Liability Insurance helps ensure compliance with environmental regulations and provides cover for incidents like pollution or waste management breaches — an important safeguard for distilleries and breweries handling wastewater and by-products.

Finally, if your business employs staff, Employer’s Liability Insurance is a legal requirement. It protects you against claims resulting from workplace injuries or illnesses, helping you support your team while staying compliant with employment laws.