The Oxford Artisan Distillery (TOAD) has opened in Oxford, UK, which claims to use sustainably grown ancient heritage grains to produce a range of spirits.

TOAD will produce spirits such as gin, absinthe, vodka and rye whiskey, reported The Spirits Business.

The distillery uses exclusive rye, wheat and barley grown on farms within 50 miles of the city.

These ancient grains were revived by archaeo-botanist John Letts and grown sustainably in the 19th century.

TOAD founder Tom Nicolson was quoted by Imbibe.com as saying: “Intensive farming has had a catastrophic effect on wildlife. It depletes the soil and contributes to global warming.

"There has never been a more urgent need to explore less toxic and more nurturing ways of growing our food.”

“Scientists are also linking pesticides to illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. There has never been a more urgent need to explore less toxic and more nurturing ways of growing our food.”

The distillery partnered with South Devon Railway executive Paul Pridham for the production of its 2,200l still called Nautilus, and another one called Nemo with a 500l capacity.

In combination with two 5m, 40-plate copper distillation columns, TOAD stills are expected to produce approximately 1,000 bottles of gin and 750 bottles of rye whiskey from each tonne of grains.

The distillery has intially held its casks and grain at an 18th century Grade II-listed threshing barn and intends to construct a new barn in the future to house its facility. It will initially offer Oxford Dry Gin and Oxford Rye Vodka.

Gin will be available for £39.50 a bottle, while vodka will be priced at £36.50.