PRIDE
We take great pride in sourcing the finest ingredients. Cedar and bay leaves are grown in the Manor gardens, and for the remainder of the non-native botanicals we have partnered with Joseph Flach, global botanical merchants since 1882.
DOWNTON DISTILLERY
"Quality is pride of workmanship."
Edwards Deming
Passion, inspiration, pride and perfection goes into everything we make at Downton Distillery; that's the sign of our workmanship.
INSPIRATION
Explorer’s Gin was inspired by our heritage. The compass rose or ‘Rose of the Winds’ with its cardinal points was used in the Elizabethan era, opening new trade routes. These are symbolised by the navigational lines on the bottle, whilst the colour symbolises the ocean.
WORKMANSHIP
All gins are craft, everyone is an artisan; what makes Downton different? We are attentive, proud and care deeply about the quality of our work. Each batch is weighed, measured, filled, labelled, sealed and individually numbered by hand; a sign of true hand workmanship.
THE TREE OF LIFE
One of our ingredients, western red cedar, is grown in the grounds and picked freshly for every new batch.
BOTANICALS
Joseph Flach provide the finest ingredients.
PREPARATION
Fresh cedar, citrus peel and fennel go into the alembic head providing fresh and exciting flavours.
HAND CRAFTED
Bottling, corking, labelling and numbering is all done individually by hand.
DOWNTON DISPATCHES
History of Pepper
Pepper is a spice that originated from southwest India and has been the world's most traded spice. Pepper grows on a flowering vine and the different colours (except pink) are variously aged peppercorns from the same plant. White pepper is...
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Ministry of Food at Wilton House
Explorer's Gin can now be found at Wilton House Café which is now being run by the wonderful Ministry of Food Hampshire family. On entering the Café to deliver the stock my nose was overwhelmed by the wonderful aromas emanating...
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New Forest Wines
Ringwood is an old town that dates to 961 and its original name was Rimucwuda meaning 'town next to the wood'. This most likely refers to the New Forest. New Forest wines is run by a wonderful gentleman called Graham...
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