AK Distillery & Moon Lounge

AK Distillery & Moon Lounge First in the UK AWARD WINNING distillery! specialising in POLISH moonshine-based in Stalybridge.
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We have flavours such as Kiwi, Tiramisu, White Chocolate, Passion Fruit, Pistachio, Roasted Hazelnut, and much more !

Well… we’re here🔥After all the planning, packing, lifting, building, last-minute shopping and the inevitable “have we fo...
27/08/2026

Well… we’re here🔥

After all the planning, packing, lifting, building, last-minute shopping and the inevitable “have we forgotten something?!” moments… our Moonshine & Cocktail Bar is finally standing at The Big Feastival 🙌

And we absolutely love how it’s come together.

This weekend we’ll be pouring our AK Distillery moonshine, shaking cocktails and serving up a few dangerously easy-to-drink specials from our little corner of the Cotswolds.

If you’re at The Big Feastival, come and find us, say hello and have a drink with us.

📍 Moonshine & Cocktail Bar - Saloon Bar at the Smokery area
🥃 AK Distillery
🍸 Cocktails • Moonshine • Shots
🔥 Independent. Handmade. Ours.

Now… time to see what this bar can really do. 👀

21/08/2026

Tomorrow is Saturday, my alarm set at 5am
2 different events
- Uttoxeter- 9 till 3
- Ripley Castle Food and Drink Festival

Sunday:
- Ripley Castle Food and Drink Festival
-Lymn
- Tarporley

Monday:
Packing up , deliveries, and cleaning

Tuesday
Off to Cotswolds- Big Festival!

I'm not sleeping, I'm recharge!
See you there!

Moonshine vs Gin: Smoother Cocktails in the UK?Many across Greater Manchester considering moonshine vs gin cocktails uk ...
20/08/2026

Moonshine vs Gin: Smoother Cocktails in the UK?

Many across Greater Manchester considering moonshine vs gin cocktails uk are surprised to learn that Polish-style moonshine often provides a much smoother spirit base for mixing. Unlike gins with their dominant botanicals, a well-crafted moonshine allows other ingredients to truly shine. This makes it an excellent choice for those seeking smoother spirits for cocktails, offering a less sharp profile. If you are exploring gin alternatives UK, or want easy sipping spirits UK for mixing, our Polish-style moonshine cocktails are a revelation. Find out why moonshine for mixing can elevate your home bar by reading our full guide.

Read the guide → /journal/moonshine-vs-gin-cocktails-uk-smoother

Spirits to pair with seafood UK: Beyond the white wine traditionWhat spirits can I pair with British seafood dishes beyo...
18/08/2026

Spirits to pair with seafood UK: Beyond the white wine tradition

What spirits can I pair with British seafood dishes beyond traditional white wine?

For generations, a crisp white wine has been the go-to pairing for seafood. And don't get me wrong, it’s a classic for a reason. But here in the UK, with our incredible coastal produce, from plump scallops to fresh-caught mackerel, there's so much more room to explore. Sometimes, a spirit can offer a depth or a surprising counterpoint that wine just can’t touch. It’s about challenging those assumptions and finding new ways to enjoy the bounty of our British waters.

What spirits pair well with delicate fish like plaice or sole?

When you’re dealing with more delicate white fish, you want a spirit that enhances, not overpowers. Think light and refreshing. Many people assume moonshine will burn, but ours offers a smooth finish that can be surprisingly gentle. A well-crafted, approachable spirit can echo the subtle flavours of the sea without overshadowing them. For instance, a light, citrus-infused spirit could be a wonderful discovery, offering a zesty lift that mirrors traditional lemon accompaniments.

During one of our tastings in Manchester, a customer mentioned how much she loved our Kiwi moonshine simply served with a splash of soda. It was a revelation for her, moving away from her usual gin and tonic. That clean, bright note from the Kiwi could really sing with pan-fried sole or a simple grilled plaice. It’s about finding that balance, that unexpected smoothness that lets the fish remain the star.....

Read this full article ( and other daily articles written by me ) on our website ! We don't want make this post long 😉

Here’s something the drinks industry doesn't want you to know: recipes are a trap.Most big brands release cocktail books...
16/08/2026

Here’s something the drinks industry doesn't want you to know: recipes are a trap.

Most big brands release cocktail books that require a fifteen-pound bottle of artisanal bitters just to make one drink. It is a brilliant way to make you feel like you need a chemistry degree to enjoy a spirit at home. We have a different approach over on the AK journal.

I’ve put together a cocktails page on our website that actually works for real life in Stalybridge. No dry ice, no gold leaf, and no ingredients you can't find in a Tameside supermarket. Whether you are looking for a sharp Raspberry serve or a simple way to use our 30% Peach moonshine, it is all there. Just clear, honest ways to drink moon shine drink without the fuss.

Which AK flavour do you struggle to mix? Let me know, and I'll add a recipe.

We need to talk about the myth that moonshine always has to burn.Most people in Greater Manchester associate the word mo...
15/08/2026

We need to talk about the myth that moonshine always has to burn.

Most people in Greater Manchester associate the word moonshine with a fiery, throat-scorching liquid that requires a bucket of water nearby. That might be the case for backwoods spirits, but Polish-style moonshine is a different beast. Our Flavoured Moonshine sits at 30% ABV, yet it stays remarkably smooth on the finish. It’s not about the kick; it’s about the clean mouthfeel and the subtle warmth that follows rather than a chemical punch. If you are drinking a spirit that feels like it is attacking you, it’s likely poor quality, not just 'strong.' You shouldn't have to be an outlaw to enjoy a glass on a Friday night.

What other moonshine myths have you heard at a market stall?

PS: Find us this weekend at Temple Newsam Food Festival where we're serving cocktails & shots
Also Saturday at First Street Makers Market , where you can try and grab a bottle to take home!

13/08/2026

Hot ? Peach Bellini? Peach with apple juice? Peach with lemonade/ tonic ? There is much more to discover, but 🍑 in this weather is definitely what you need !

Last drop off - and we off today 😊 enjoying PEACH 🍑 in garden 🥵

If I could ban one thing in the drinks industry, it would be room-temperature spirits.There is a reason the fridge in ou...
12/08/2026

If I could ban one thing in the drinks industry, it would be room-temperature spirits.

There is a reason the fridge in our Stalybridge workshop is humming away 24/7. I am currently staring at a fresh delivery of glass bottles on the bench, and the first thing I do is get a few in the chiller. When you are drinking moonshine in the UK, especially our 30% ABV fruit range like Raspberry, the temperature is everything. Heat makes spirits feel aggressive and sharp. Cold makes them smooth, allowing the actual fruit to lead rather than the alcohol. If you are pouring a glass tonight, forget the cupboard. Give it twenty minutes in the freezer first and tell me I am wrong.

Room temperature or straight from the freezer- how do you pour yours?

Where to find us in incoming weeks  👇Sat - 15-Sun 16 - Temple Newsam Food Festival - full barSat 15 - First Street Maker...
11/08/2026

Where to find us in incoming weeks 👇

Sat - 15-Sun 16 - Temple Newsam Food Festival - full bar
Sat 15 - First Street Makers Market - retail
Sat 22- Sun 23 - Harrogate Food & Drink Festival - retail
Sat 29- Mon 31 - Graves Park Food & Drink Festival - full bar
Fri 28 – Sun 30 Aug - The Big Feastival - full bar
Sun 30 Aug - Mossley Farmers Market - retail

Bottles, cocktails- tastings and our Great Taste 2026 2-star White Chocolate Moonshine.

Address

The Moon Lounge & AK Distillery/Stalybridge Storages, Binns St
Stalybridge
SK151FF

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