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Sir Walter Raleigh Downton Manor
INSPIRATION
Explorer’s Gin is inspired by Sir Walter Raleigh, who lived at Downton Manor in 1583. On 25th March, 1584 he was given a Royal Warrant to explore and settle the New World. He established the Roanoke Colony, which became infamous as it disappeared in 1590. The land he called Virginia, in order to flatter Queen Elizabeth I. 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 true-craft gin, distilled and bottled in very small batches at our Nano-distillery 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 the flavours to be blend prior to distillation. We use the one shot method and our batches are all measured, bottled, labelled and numbered by hand with only 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.

Explorer's Gin and tonic
MEET THE MAKER

COCKTAIL EVENINGS

How do you enjoy your gin? With tonic or in a cocktail?

Discover by joining our cocktail evenings.

BOOK
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

DISCOVER
Water from River Avon known for its Gin clear qualities.
OUR WATER

SPRING WATER

We use pure, natural spring water.

BUY
Sgroppino Explorer's Gin
COCKTAIL OF THE MONTH

SGROPPINO

30ml Explorer’s Gin
100ml Brut Champagne
1 Scoop of lemon sorbet.
2 mint leaves to garnish.

DISCOVER
OUR BOTANICALS

SZECHUAN PEPPER

Pungent, citrusy and floral.

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

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

SAVE 20% 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 20%.

DISCOVER
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.

BUY
Explorer's Gin on Sunday Brunch Review

SUNDAY BRUNCH REVIEW

Olivier Ward made the Paloma cocktail which uses grapefuit juice for the Channel 4 team.

SUNDAY BRUNCH REVIEW

Olivier Ward made the Paloma cocktail which uses grapefuit juice for the Channel 4 team.

Gin Foundry Review,
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.”
BUY
The Gin Guide Review, Paul Jackson
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."
BUY
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! It’s a stunning! 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 wayfor an explosion of cedar! This is really good value when you think what a beautiful statement piece the bottle is.
BUY

DOWNTON DISPATCHES

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Who was the Real Indiana Jones?

Who was the Real Indiana Jones?

300 years after Raleigh tried to find El Dorado, Percy Fawcett set out to find a different city, a city that he called 'Z'.  Steven Spielberg & George Lucas based their original movie on Percy ... more

Rhubarb, Leaves, Rhubarb Cocktail, Infusion

Rhubarb Gin & Infusions

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OUR DISTILLERY

Botanical grinder preparing botanicals prior to distillation
Handheld alcohol meter Snap51 measuring alcohol
Spices within Explorers Gin Peppers. Salisbury Gin, Wiltshire Gin, Downton Gin
Hydrometre and alcohol, Downton Distillery
Leather Metal Stamps DD Logos
Crest of Sir Walter Raleigh 1584, Downton, Wiltshire
Applying anti tamper seals to Explorer's Gin
Botanical grinder at Downton distillery
Tray of grapefruit, orange and lemon pieces that go into the alembic still to make Explorer's Gin. Wiltshire
Alembic Still in Winter Downton Distillery, Wiltshire
Downton Distillery Market Stand showing bottles of gin
Distilling room of Downton Distillery
Deep sea;news, letter, Downton Distillery, Wiltshire

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