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 & 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 & tobacco from America.

HISTORY
Explorer's Gin celebrates the concept of adventure & exploration. Our bottle colour reflects the depths of the sea to the surface, with celestial & 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.

WORKMANSHIP
Explorer’s Gin is a craft gin, distilled & bottled in very small batches at our Nano-distillery which sits on the 'Downs' above Downton in Wiltshire. We are authentic, attentive, proud & 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 & numbered by hand with 100 bottles per run.
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.




GIN FOUNDRY REVIEW (SPIRITS BEACON)
“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.”

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."

REFILL SERVICE - SAVE £13
Did you know each bottle weighs 2.1Kgs of CO2.
We are continually improving our carbon footprint through both our environmental and sustainability initiatives. We feel our bottle is too beautiful to throw away and keen that you reuse and refill it.
Every reused bottle not only helps to save the planet but also saves you money.
You can refill refill your bottle at Downton Brewery, Regent Tailoring, Honeycombers and Healthy Life saving yourself 29%.

CLICK & COLLECT
You can now collect your online bottle order from Regent Tailoring. An institution to British heritage, it has both classic and contemporary fashion styles. 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.
IN THE MEDIA

SUNDAY BRUNCH - SMALL BATCH GIN
Olivier Ward talks about Small Batch Distilleries & Explorer's Gin.

COCKTAIL EVENINGS
Contact us, if you would like to host a cocktail evening with us.

DESIGNING ASIAN PARSNIP GIN
The making of Navy Strength Gin with James May
FEATURES
DISPATCHES

The Peregrine Falcons of Salisbury Cathedral
Peregrine falcons returned to Salisbury Cathedral in 2014, having been absent for over 60 years. Since then 27 chicks have fledged in the South tower of the Cathedral. The chicks are tagged, with l... more

Wiltshire Life Green Business Award
Over the last two years we have been focusing on our 'Eco Programme,' With the race to becoming a net zero economy by 2050, sustainability is becoming vital pillar to every business. No matter how ... more

Vodka wins Double Gold
Our Chardonnay Vodka won a double gold at this years World Vodka Awards. With sustainability in mind, everything has been recycled. The Chardonnay grapes grow organically on the Domaine Hugo vineya... more