From the Distillery
THE JOURNAL
Stories, recipes, and reflections from our corner of Wiltshire — exploring the craft, the landscape, and the flavours that shape our spirits.
LATEST NEWS | DOWNTON DISTILLERY
Distillery Garden | Harvesting Angelica Seed
Harvesting Angelica. Capturing the aromatic seeds that bring depth, structure and character to every bottle of Explorer's Gin.
Distillery Plants | Angelica and its uses in Herbal Medicine
Discover Angelica, one of the most important botanicals in gin making. Explore how its roots and seeds bring structure, depth and complexity to our spirits, while supporting wildlife, carrying a...
Distillery Plants | Borage and its uses in Herbal Medicine
Borage is a versatile botanical used in distilling for its fresh, cucumber-like flavour and subtle floral notes. It enhances spirits, elevates cocktails, and supports pollinators. With roots in herbal medicine,...
WILDLIFE ON THE DOWNS | DISTILLERY GARDEN DIARY
Before work starts, take 10 minutes to listen to the world around you. The distillery garden is home to a new ecosystem and it is magical to be part of...
Distillery Plants | Oregano and its uses in Herbal Medicine
Oregano, Origanum vulgare, is a reliable nectar source that supports bees, including solitary and mining species like Andrena. Its long flowering period, open blooms, and high nectar content make it...
Distillery Plants | Lovage and its uses in Herbal Medicine
Lovage is one of the distillery garden’s most powerful botanicals. Its deep savoury aroma lifts food, strengthens spirits, and supports digestion. Used since Roman times, this tall herb delivers intense...
Distillery Plants | Valerian and its uses in Herbal Medicine
Valerian is one of Europe’s most powerful medicinal plants. Grown in our distillery garden, its roots, flowers, and aromatics support calm, sleep, and digestive health while adding depth and structure...
Distillery Plants | Lemon Verbena. Bright, Wild, and Wonderfully Aromatic
At Downton Distillery, we grow lemon verbena in our garden for use in Explorer’s Gin. Thriving in the sunshine and chalky soil of the Downs, it fills the air with...
Distillery Plants | Lucerne the Father of all Foods
Lucerne and red clover form the regenerative backbone of Great Bustard Gin. Discover how these ancient nitrogen fixing plants rebuild soil, support pollinators, store carbon, and bring meadow depth and...