Explorer's Gin is the flagship spirit from Downton Distillery, crafted on the West Wiltshire Downs using a combination of traditional distilling techniques and locally inspired botanicals. Designed for those who appreciate character, provenance and flavour, it is a contemporary London Dry Gin with a distinctly English identity.
At its heart is locally grown western red cedar, harvested within sight of the distillery. This unusual botanical provides a rich, aromatic backbone that sets Explorer's Gin apart from more conventional juniper-led styles. Bright citrus notes from lemon verbena and carefully selected citrus peels bring freshness and lift, while pink peppercorn and Sichuan pepper add subtle warmth and complexity.
The result is a gin that balances freshness, structure and depth. Juniper remains present throughout, but works alongside layers of herbal, citrus and woodland character to create a spirit that is both distinctive and versatile.
Whether enjoyed in a classic G&T, a dry martini or a creative cocktail, Explorer's Gin offers a true taste of modern English craft distilling.
- 44% ABV @ 700ml.
- Calories per shot 61.
- Contemporary London Dry.
- Distilled and bottled in Downton, Wiltshire.
- Small Batch, 100 bottles to a run all hand signed.
MESSENGER POUCH
After receiving numerous requests for presentation boxes, we took a different approach creating a bottle pouch instead. Not only do they add a rugged, adventurous touch, but they’re also practical and reusable. Rather than wasteful packaging that gets discarded, these pouches are designed to join you on your modern-day adventures, whether it’s carrying essentials on a hike, stashing your favorite bottle, or simply adding a bit of explorer’s charm to your everyday gear.
WATCH SUNDAY BRUNCH VIDEO
See what the Sunday Brunch panel thought of Explorer's Gin.
SUSTAINABILITY
Please keep your bottle and use our refill packs, with your next order, we will cover your shipping charge and these can be recycled.
AWARDS
Gin | Explorer's | Contemporary London Dry
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Made in Downton, Wiltshire
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Rewilding of Juniper
Explorer's Gin is the flagship spirit from Downton Distillery, crafted on the West Wiltshire Downs using a combination of traditional distilling techniques and locally inspired botanicals. Designed for those who appreciate character, provenance and flavour, it is a contemporary London Dry Gin with a distinctly English identity.
At its heart is locally grown western red cedar, harvested within sight of the distillery. This unusual botanical provides a rich, aromatic backbone that sets Explorer's Gin apart from more conventional juniper-led styles. Bright citrus notes from lemon verbena and carefully selected citrus peels bring freshness and lift, while pink peppercorn and Sichuan pepper add subtle warmth and complexity.
The result is a gin that balances freshness, structure and depth. Juniper remains present throughout, but works alongside layers of herbal, citrus and woodland character to create a spirit that is both distinctive and versatile.
Whether enjoyed in a classic G&T, a dry martini or a creative cocktail, Explorer's Gin offers a true taste of modern English craft distilling.
- 44% ABV @ 700ml.
- Calories per shot 61.
- Contemporary London Dry.
- Distilled and bottled in Downton, Wiltshire.
- Small Batch, 100 bottles to a run all hand signed.
MESSENGER POUCH
After receiving numerous requests for presentation boxes, we took a different approach creating a bottle pouch instead. Not only do they add a rugged, adventurous touch, but they’re also practical and reusable. Rather than wasteful packaging that gets discarded, these pouches are designed to join you on your modern-day adventures, whether it’s carrying essentials on a hike, stashing your favorite bottle, or simply adding a bit of explorer’s charm to your everyday gear.
WATCH SUNDAY BRUNCH VIDEO
See what the Sunday Brunch panel thought of Explorer's Gin.
SUSTAINABILITY
Please keep your bottle and use our refill packs, with your next order, we will cover your shipping charge and these can be recycled.
AWARDS
I’ve been buying Downton’s Explorer Gin on repeat for 2.5 years now since we came across Hugh’s stall at the Winchester Christmas market in 2023. Not only is Hugh’s knowledge of the tasting notes of his offerings quite incredible his enthusiasm is infectious and we we’ve been hooked on the stuff ever since.
It’s a great base for many a gin-based cocktail- the picture below is the English garden cocktail we love to enjoy on a summer evening
Bought our first Explorer gin at a Christmas market batch 4 bottle 2/100 and have been happily getting refills ever since. Simple, efficient and eco friendly what’s not to love? Oh yes it’s also a great gin - we love it!
I really lovely flavoured gin, could not resist subscribing.
Excellent way to purchase more Explorer Gin. Good for the environment and a discounted price on a bottle, so win win
Great way of refilling a nearly empty bottle and being able to return via postbox for recycling. Really interesting gin too!
Excellent service. Would highly recommend
This is our 'go to' gin and we have sample quite a few over the years. Explorer's Gin has a full bodied flavour that you you can still taste even when mixed with tonic. We alos like the fact you can keep the bottle and but sustainable re-usable refill packs. Great value too!!
Gin and tonic is my favorite drink and the explorer gin is one of my top choices, after 1st experiencing at a xmas market. If you like botanical gins like monkey 47 or Trevethian, then you will like this.
There aren't many companies that care as much as the Downton Distillery about environmental issues. And by being one of the few to offer refill pouches they also care about our finances! And...I'm so lucky that they make one of my favourite gins (and I try a lot of gins!). And......they offer a subscription service to save even more money. Just brilliant
Possibly one of the nicest gins I have have ever been bought and I continue to buy.
Perfect as refills are delivered by post and service is also excellent
Don't buy as often as I maybe would like as it is a premium priced gin but worth it as and when I can afford to buy some
Great gin supplied 8n an environmentally friendly manner
Been having this wonderful gin for a while now and it's fantastic. Company is very good to deal with and deliveries are really quick. Also does refills ,so keep your bottle.
I met Hugh a few years ago at the Chalke Valley History festival. I wasn’t planning to buy gin but after tasting and talking about the story on how and what went into the botanicals I could detect the subtle differences between an artisan product and a mass produced gin. I have refilled my original bottle since. This is the sixth refill ready for Christmas. Thanks Hugh and team. PS The Great Bustard gin is fantastic too.
Fantastic tasting gin from a distillery close to us. We like supporting local businesses and love their eco friendly refill pouches too.
3 completely different and individual Gins. And all amazing and elegant. So many new gins are overkeen to blow you away with some impact flavour and the genius here is subtlety. Both neighbours are now converts - hence the 3 bottles + pouches
Riley (friend of Bonty)
Having finished the bottle of explorer gin, being able to get a refill in the post and then reuse our bottle is a great feature.
Stunning botanicals delicious blend surpasses all others My all time favourite.
Having tasted Explorer Gin - Hugh’s signature masterpiece, I can’t drink anything else in the same way. Explorer is uniquely complex, sophisticated, audacious, intrepid and utterly delicious. It knocks the socks of other gin competitors so I just keep coming back for more.
Good service, fir a wonderful gin
I normally drink beer. I like it and it makes me feel good! However, in this one bar I visited, there were none. That tickled my taste buds, so I feel back on Gin and Tonic.
I know the saying that tonic is 75% of the drink, but the only thing that can change is the gin if you buy the same tonic. Stay with me there's logic here. I'm a fussy straight up London Dry kinda guy, none of the fancy fruity gimmicks. Dash of lemon or lime,.maybe a sprig of Rosemary.. Garnish only. Anyway, I digress. I saw the Explorers Gin on the shelf, liked the look of the bottle and ordered one with a well known light tonic. Not gonna lie, best tasting GnT I've ever had, totally blew me away 🤯. Before I'd left the bar I ordered some from Downton Distillery and it arrived two days later. It has the right amount of everything great in a gin! Now you can buy it in refill pouches eco friendly what's not to like! 💯
Two of the best gins I have tasted.
Choose refillable pouches for a sustainable option.
My favourite gin and as always delivered quickly and packaging returned. Thank you.
We first sampled this gin at Winchester's Christmas market several years ago and were immediately impressed by the complexity of taste, but being able to pick out the different ingredients as described to us.
Since then it's become our firm favourite and a regular online purchase. We haven't found another that comes close!
It's great that you can order refills and send the empty pouches back.
I love your explorer gin. It has so much flavour and buying it in a refill pouch and returning the box and pouch for recycling makes me feel good! My bottle is batch number 150 and bottle No. 1 so worth keeping it and refilling!
Such a lovely gin and love the fact that you can buy a refill pack to refill your bottle and send it back so it can be recycled. Great.
I have been subscribed to the refill pouch for about 3 years now, it is my absolute favourite gin. There is no gin like it in terms of flavour profile, it pairs so nicely with many dishes and never gets boring. I highly recommend you try this gin, it will be worth it.
I purchased the Great Bustard Gin as a present for a friend who’s in the drinks trade. Everyone who tried it in a G&T, thought it was fantastic…it even converted a non-gin drinker, due to its “lightness and floral taste”. Needless to say, Downton will have a few more customers now!
We love explorer’s gin, it is our favourite for a Friday night G&T.
I first tasted Explorer gin at a Xmas market and I have been hooked ever since. It has a smooth flavour that is different to other gins and in my opinion there's no other gin that comes close to this one.
Our Cocktails
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A darker take on the Manhattan. Walnut liqueur adds tannin, spice, and a dry edge that cuts sweetness. Richer, more structured, and longer on the palate, it pushes the classic...
