GREAT BUSTARD GIN
In case you missed us on Sunday Brunch, Olivier Ward reviews three great gins all winners at the 2024 IWSC. The cocktail shown is on our cocktail page - The English Garden.
GREAT BUSTARD GIN
In case you missed us on Sunday Brunch, Olivier Ward reviews three great gins all winners at the 2024 IWSC. The cocktail shown is on our cocktail page - The English Garden.
DISTILLED ON THE WILTSHIRE DOWNS
INSPIRATION
Sir Walter Raleigh, is the inspiration behind Explorer’s Gin. In 1583 he was bequeathed Parsonage Manor, in Downton as his star began to ascend. On 25th March, 1584 the Queen gave him a Royal Warrant to explore the New World. He is famed for bringing back both potatoes, tobacco, and cedar which we use in our gin. In 1978 my Grandfather helped support & create Operation Drake which then became Operation Raleigh.
OUR ETHOS
We set out to create more than a bottle of gin. Our spirits reflect curiosity, challenge, and a desire to explore, grounded in strong local provenance. Shaped by the Wiltshire landscape, its growers, and regional character, they celebrate place and purpose. We believe in staying open, pushing boundaries, and learning through experience. A modern explorer’s mindset, rooted at home and curious about the wider world.
ETHICAL
Consumers more than ever want to know who and what they are supporting as a brand. From non-alcoholic spirits to vegan alcohol to organic gin and vodka, many spirits brands are branching out to accommodate this ethical and sustainable consumer demand. In 2023 we became the first spirits company to receive the Good Shopping Guide ethical kite mark. Learn more about our Eco work.
SUSTAINABLE
We craft sustainable spirits by embracing eco-friendly practices: utilising organic, locally sourced ingredients, employing recycled packaging, offering refillable bottles, and powering operations with renewable energy. We repurpose byproducts like grape pomace into unique spirits, support rewilding initiatives, and maintain ethical standards, earning top ethical ratings.
EXPERT TESTIMONIALS
OLIVIER WARD - CHANNEL 4 GIN EXPERT / IWSC JUDGE
“It’s rare when we see a start-up with massive potential right off the bat. Downton Distillery and their Explorer’s Gin, 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."
THE GIN GUIDE 2023 / SUSTAINABILITY WINNER
"The winning producers are those which have most successfully shown ongoing commitment to achieving their environmental sustainability objectives across multiple initiatives, with innovative solutions, proven impact and an embedded and measured culture of sustainability. It is at the heart of what they do, inspiring others."
PAUL JACKSON - GIN GUIDE / GIN GUIDE HEAD JUDGE
"Explorer's Gin harmoniously brings together classic gin characteristics with a contemporary twist. It's a gin with complexity and depth and that is engaging through having clearly identifiable characteristics and stages along the flavour journey. Juniper and citrus peel notes are elevated with verbena for a characterful G&T."
Louise Luton - International Artist
"I love painting hares. There are few in various parts of Wiltshire near my home. None in the fields around me. I was over at Downton Distillery at the weekend, Hugh showed me around the vineyards and the surrounding farmland. The wildlife is incredible, hares are also frequent visitors! The
tour was fantastic and so worth visiting, such passion."
REFILL POINTS
We feel our bottle is too beautiful to throw away and want you to reuse it. That is why we offer refill pouches and refill points.
Every reused bottle not only helps to save the planet but also saves you money. We are continually looking at how we improve our carbon footprint through environmental and sustainability initiatives.
You can refill refill your bottle at Downton Brewery, Regent Tailoring, Dark Revolution, Kingsgate Wines & Provisions & Healthy Life.
