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
Explorer’s Gin is built on a spirit of exploration rooted in Downton. Inspired by Sir Walter Raleigh, it reflects curiosity, risk, and discovery. Today, that same mindset drives how we create. From field to bottle, every decision starts with place and purpose.
OUR ETHOS
We do not make generic spirits. We build products that reflect the Wiltshire Downs. Local botanicals, real provenance, and hands-on production shape every release. We experiment, test, and refine. The result is a portfolio with character.
ETHICAL
People want to know where their money goes. We make that clear. We are independently verified by the Good Shopping Guide and hold one of the highest ethical ratings in UK spirits. We publish what we do and who we support.
SUSTAINABLE
We reduce waste and build circular systems. Refill pouches cut glass use. Surplus fruit becomes orchard spirits. Byproducts return to the land. Energy use is tracked and reduced. This is measured action, not marketing language.
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.
