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...
Education | What makes a good gin?
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...
Education | History of the Hot Toddy
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...
Education | The Negroni vs. Sbagliato
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...
Education | Rise of Celebrity Spirits
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...
Education | Creation of London Drizzle
Creating spirits for James May is never straightforward. Following the success of Asian Parsnip and American Mustard, we were asked once again to develop a spirit around an unusual concept....
Education | How to | Elderflower Infusions
The countryside is finally bursting into life and one of the most eagerly awaited signs of early summer is the arrival of elderflower. For just a few short weeks, hedgerows...
Education | 2020 Spring Review of Gin Market
With the promise of Spring budding on every tree branch (not that we can get to with all the self isolation) and the interminable greyness of January and February behind...