DOWNTON DISPATCHES | DOWNTON DISTILLERY

Award winning seasonal gin crafted with local cider apple juice from Cranborne Chase, quince and warming spice celebrating the Wiltshire harvest.

Host Conservation Through Conversation evenings in independent pubs. Great Bustard conservation talks paired with guided tastings of locally rooted Great Bustard spirits, delivered in partnership with the Great Bustard Group.

With Dry January in full swing, many people take a hard look at what they eat and drink. Alcohol often sits at the centre of that reset. It delivers calories...

Cranborne Chase Cider delivered one of their strongest harvests in years. Apples came in with high sugars and a clean flavour that produced exceptional juice. We picked up 440 litres...

Downton Distillery has added to its growing list of accolades with two medals at the Great British Food Awards. The Orchard Spirits Range impressed judges, with the aged Damson Gin...

Forged from Wiltshire’s wild downs and proven by fire, Great Bustard Flight Strength Gin revives the naval legend of gunpowder-proof spirits. At 57% ABV, its strength isn’t just claimed —...

Downton Distillery has been awarded the Special Achievement Award at the 2025 Drinks Sustainability Awards, recognising our pioneering work in circular packaging, carbon reduction, and conservation. From our closed-loop refill...

The Great Bustard Group has adopted new conservation techniques inspired by Germany’s successful breeding programme. By focusing on gradual release, habitat management, and daily guided flights, the young bustards gain...

Introduced to the art of haiku by James May, Downton Distillery explores this timeless Japanese form of poetry through nature and craft. Two original haiku celebrate the hum of the...

We’re raising a glass in celebration—Downton Distillery has won two coveted 1-star Great Taste Awards. Our rich, walnut-infused Nocino and our herbaceous, citrus-forward Great Bustard Gin have been recognised among...

In this exclusive Q & A, we caught up with Merlin Evans as he completed his awe-inspiring walk across South America, a journey that spanned mountains, rain forests, deserts, and...

Back in the early to mid-2000s, the gin world started to feel the first ripples of what would become a full-blown revolution—something few could’ve predicted at the time. A fresh...

Last month, I had the opportunity to examine an Irish Guards Company Colour. As a former Scots Guards officer and someone with a particular interest in the Great Bustard, I...

At the distillery we are always exploring new ways to enhance flavour and texture, and one technique that has recently captured our attention is fat washing. While the name may...

The Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge is a 3,000-mile ocean rowing race across the Atlantic. Competitors face storms, exhaustion, isolation, and huge seas in one of the world's toughest endurance challenges.

The hot toddy has a rich history that blends cultural influences, practical remedies, and evolving tastes. Origins in India The term "toddy" is believed to have originated from the Hindi...

The Negroni has earned its place as a sophisticated favorite on bar menus worldwide. According to legend, the ruby-red cocktail originated in 1919 at Caffè Casoni in Florence, Italy, when...

Working with James May, we created California Dreamin’ Gin using girolle mushrooms, patchouli and oregano. The result is an award-winning umami gin with savoury depth, gentle fruit, earthy warmth and...

Running a business involves constant movement behind the scenes. Ingredients, packaging, logistics, production, relationships, and waste streams all need managing carefully. One subject sits at the centre of almost every...

Long before Wiltshire became known for its chalk downs, market towns, and ancient monuments, the county formed part of an important Roman transport and trading network. One of the lesser...

Sustainability is becoming a defining issue for the global spirits industry. Distilleries now face growing pressure to reduce their environmental impact while maintaining quality and authenticity. To recognise these efforts,...

Downton Distillery has been recognised with an International Green Apple Environment Award. The award celebrates organisations that demonstrate outstanding environmental performance and commitment to sustainable practices. The achievement places the...

Celebrity spirits are enjoying a remarkable surge in popularity. From actors and musicians to television presenters and sports stars, famous names are increasingly entering the drinks industry. For consumers, the...

Vermouth, a fortified wine flavoured with various botanicals, has a rich and varied history that spans several centuries. The creation of modern vermouth is credited to the Italians, specifically in...