Downton Distillery

Explorer Gin Cocktails, Wiltshire, Salisbury

WILTSHIRES PREMIUM GIN

EXPLORER'S GIN

Add a little adventure to your day. At Downton Distillery we embody this adventurous spirit.

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Charles Blackmore and the Taklamakan desert

OUR EXPLORER OF THE MONTH

CHARLES BLACKMORE

Our Explorer of the month crossed the Taklamakan desert known as the 'Desert of Death' through its uncharted centre.

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SUSTAINABILITY

REUSE & REFILL

Save 22%, keep your bottle & purchase our eco-refill packs, we will cover your postage.

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WILTSHIRES PREMIUM GIN

EXPLORER'S GIN

To travel is to discover new delights and experiences. At Downton Distillery we embody this adventurous spirit.

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Western Red Cedar, Explorer's Gin, Downton, Salisbury

WILTSHIRES PREMIUM GIN

EXPLORER'S GIN

Western Red Cedar known as 'The Tree of Life' provided nurture to the adventurers of old. This is our core botanical and at Downton Distillery we embody this into our adventurous spirit.

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INSPIRATION

Explorer’s Gin is inspired by Sir Walter Raleigh, who lived in Downton. On 25th March, 1584 he was given a Royal Warrant to explore and settle the New World. The land he called Virginia, in order to flatter Queen Elizabeth I. He established the Roanoke Colony, which became infamous as it disappeared in 1589. He is famed for bringing back both the potato and tobacco from America.

The Rose Compass, was used by explorers and adventures in the era of discovery. Downton Gin, Wiltshire, Salisbury

OUR GIN

Explorer's Gin celebrates the concept of adventure and exploration. Our bottle colour reflects the depths of the sea to the surface, with celestial and map navigation lines wrapping around the bottle. Our logo, the ‘Rose of the Winds’ compass with its cardinal points was used by Explorers in the 'era of discovery' to help them navigate. Our unique botanical Western Red Cedar originated in North America.

Hugh Anderson working in Downton Distillery, Wiltshire Gin, Salisbury Gin, Downton

WORKMANSHIP

Explorer’s Gin is a craft gin, distilled and bottled in very small batches at our Nano-distillery which sits on the 'Downs' above Downton in Wiltshire. We are authentic, attentive, proud and care deeply about the quality of our work. Each batch will macerate for up to 48hrs allowing our flavours to blend prior to distillation. We use the one shot method, all bottles are signed and numbered by hand with only 100 bottles per run.

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Downton Distillery Explorer's Gin and Cocktails

Gin Evening with Wiltshire Distillery Downton Distillery

EMBRACING ADVENTURE

‘Life is about the journey, not the destination’

Ralph Waldo Emerson

This is something that we embrace as did our forebearers. Life is an adventure, where you are continually learning and moving forward. We took a leap of faith into the unknown, a world filled with colour, flavour, and beauty. There were no boundaries and through journeying the currents we have discovered new shores. Our adventure has seen obstacles overcome, dead ends navigated, and new doors opened. Our lives have been enriched by a wonderful vibrant community who have welcomed us with open arms. Downton Distillery has been able to become more than the concept it once was, drawn up on a piece of paper. As with all ventures, trust your gut instinct when a situation may not seem right, walk away when needed, it is all part of the journey. Learn, laugh, grow and work to live, for your adventure has only just begun.

Hugh Anderson Interview Downton Distillery Wiltshire Salisbury

ABOUT US

EXPLORER'S GIN REVIEW

"It's not just a gin, it's the idea of place, people and an attitude all captured in a bottle."

Olivier Ward

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SUSTAINABILITY

OUR COMMITMENT

It is a journey, not a race in reducing our carbon footprint.

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COCKTAIL OF THE MONTH

HANKY PANKY

45ml Explorer’s Gin

45ml Sweet vermouth

2.5ml Fernet Branca

Orange twist for garnish

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OUR BOTANICALS

SZECHUAN PEPPER

Pungent, citrusy and floral.

The spice comes from the fruit's dried husk, whilst the sanshool oils provide the menthol spice.

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GIN FOUNDRY REVIEW

“It’s rare when we see a start-up with massive potential right off the bat. Downton Distillery and their Explorer’s Gin however, has just that and more. They are proving that what’s needed in today’s saturated category is about so much more than being a local gin, a craft distiller, a small batch production or even – having great gin. They demonstrate that great gin is about being more than the sum of any individual part and do so with panache.”

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GIN GUIDE REVIEW

"Explorer's Gin harmoniously brings together classic gin characteristics with a contemporary twist. Familiar juniper, mixed citrus & liquorice flavours are joined by Western Red Cedar which enhances the piney notes, fennel brings out a herbal side, & a kick of warming pepper spice commences a lingering finish. It's a gin with complexity & depth and it is engaging through having clearly identifiable characteristics & stages along the flavour journey."

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TEAL BAR REVIEW

"Explorer’s Gin is an exceptional gin! First you need to get over how stunning the glass bottle is. It's a deep sea dark teal, covered in a golden compass and navigation chart! On the nose you get citrus & pine with a peppery undertone. On the palette you get juniper & a pop of citrus, hints of florals & a warming peppery flavour which makes way for an explosion of cedar! This is beautiful piece is a statement.

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Save money by upcycling and recycling your bottle. Money in a jar

SAVE 29% REFILL YOUR BOTTLES

We are continually improving our carbon footprint through both environmental and sustainability initiatives. We believe that our bottle is too beautiful to throw away and are keen that you reuse and refill it. Every reused bottle not only helps to save the planet but also saves you money. This saving we pass straight to you. You can now refill your bottle at Downton Brewery saving yourself 29%.

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Explorer's Gin with clothing at Regent Tailoring, Salisbury Wiltshire

CLICK & COLLECT YOUR BOTTLES

You can now collect your online bottle order from Regent Tailoring. A brilliant tailor, personal stylist and curator of contemporary fashion, Regent Tailoring has become an institution in Salisbury over the past fifteen years. Whilst collecting your bottle feel free to have a look around this beautiful shop.

Please show your confirmation e-mail with order number when collecting your bottle.

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DOWNTON IN THE MEDIA

SUNDAY BRUNCH REVIEW

Watch Olivier Ward discuss Explorer's Gin with the Channel 4 Brunch team, celebrating diversity within the craft gin sector.

SUNDAY BRUNCH REVIEW

Watch Olivier Ward discuss Explorer's Gin with the Channel 4 Brunch team, celebrating diversity within the craft gin sector.

DOWNTON LIFESTYLE ARTICLES

HEALTH

'FREE-FROM'

I am asked on a regular basis if Explorer's Gin is 'free-from' gluten, lactose and sugar? Discover why.

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TRAVEL

CHILE

Is the worlds second longest country, running from the Atacama Desert down to Patagonia in the South.

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Sign post with capitals and distances showing

KNOWLEDGE

BRANDING

Have an idea? How do you take your concept and make it reality? After all there are so many directions and they are not all the same.

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Explorer's Gin Negroni, Downton Distillery, Wiltshire

EVENTS

GIN EVENINGS

Learn about the gin sector, how the various types and styles of gin are made, whilst sipping one of four cocktails that will be made during the course of the evening.

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Explorer Cards and Explorer's gin made by Downton Distillery, Salisbury, Wiltshire

LIFESTYLE

CARD GAMES

Our lockdown game, Shit Head! It is fast, furious and highly addictive. The aim don't be the one holding the cards at the end!

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SUSTAINABILITY

BAMBOO STRAWS

Bamboo fibres have natural antimicrobial properties meaning they are less likely to harbour bacteria over time and be more resistant to spoiling or rotting over time.

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