This year has been exceptional on the Wiltshire Downs. Orchards produced strong, healthy crops with quince and apples arriving in abundance. We received quince from Martin Nye, the High Sheriff of Wiltshire, harvested from his own orchard. At the same time Bill at Cranborne Chase Cider supplied fresh apple juice pressed from both cider and cox apples.

Hugh then baked the quince which transformed it completely. The harsh acidity softened, with the flesh turning tender and the flavour becoming richer and more aromatic. The colour shifted from pale yellow to a deep amber. The heat breaks down the tannins and releases natural pectin, which gives quince its smooth, almost velvety texture when cooked. The aroma also intensified into honeyed, floral, spiced notes which is reflected within this edition.

To counter the sweetness a spice base consisting of cubeb, fenugreek, schisandra, cardamon and ginger was created. This gives structure, warmth and balance.

ABOUT

The Autumnal Edition celebrates the Great Bustard, the world’s heaviest flying bird and an icon of Wiltshire’s landscape.

Although apples are not a major food source on Salisbury Plain, their European counterparts in Germany have been observed eating fallen apples and pears when they are abundant. This seasonal behaviour matches the character of this gin: opportunistic, local and shaped by the land.

The fresh apple juice adds clean orchard sweetness. The spice blend brings depth and layered warmth. The result is a richer, more complex expression that mirrors the season and the provenance behind it. It is a gin rooted in place and inspired by the remarkable bird it supports.

• 40% ABV @ 700ml.
• Calories per shot 79.
• Contemporary Gin.
• Distilled and bottled in Downton, Wiltshire.
• Small Batch, 200 bottles made.
• King Charles III is the patron of the charity.
• 100 apples used in each bottle.

IWSC REVIEW 

Classic juniper, earthy roots, and a hint of orange peel. On the palate quince and cooked apple meld with honeyed spices and cardamom, with a fine structure and restrained sweetness. 

SUSTAINABILITY

All the packaging is 100% recycled.  

AWARDS

Nose: A soft caramel note from the baked quince leads on the nose. Sweet orange adds a clear citrus lift, while Yarlington, Cox and Dabinett apples bring crisp sharpness that sits neatly against the warmth of ginger, cardamon and cubeb pepper.

Palate: An aromatic caramel note opens on the tongue. Cubeb pepper and schisandra add vibrant warmth with a sweet-spiced edge that balances the orchard sweetness. Gentle floral tones and cardamon thread through the spice, leading to a smooth, lingering finish with clear character.

Finish: Smooth, rounded full bodied, with the spices adding warmth against the fresh apple notes.

Garnish with orange peel / Ginger / Apple

Short Serve I Apple Martini  I  50ml Autumnal Gin. Ice. Stir. Orange twist.

Long Serve I Summer Cup I  50ml Autumnal Gin I 75ml Lemonade I 75ml Ginger Ale I Ice and Fruit.

Quince originated in the Caucasus region around modern day Georgia and Iran.

It spread through the Mediterranean as early farmers cultivated it for its fragrance and storage life. Ancient Greece and Rome valued it for cooking and for its symbolic role at weddings. Today it grows across Europe, the Middle East and parts of Asia, although it remains a niche orchard crop rather than a commercial staple.

The fruit delivers depth when baked and works well in spirits because its aroma stays clear after distillation.

Bill at Cranborne Chase Cider provided the fresh apple juice that defines this special edition.

Their orchards grow traditional cider apples including Yarlington, Dabinett and Browns. The fruit carries high natural sugars and a bright, clean acidity.

Bill’s team presses the juice at peak ripeness to capture full orchard character. This gives us a fresh, vivid base that lifts the quince and spice in the gin.

Using their juice strengthens our commitment to local provenance and keeps the flavour anchored in the landscape that surrounds both the Chase and the distillery.

It is a partnership that delivers clarity, depth and genuine orchard identity.

• We do hope that you are happy with your purchase.
• We aim to make the return process as simple as possible.
• We must be notified of damaged goods within 2 days of delivery.
• We will refund you using the method of payment used to make the purchase.
• Goods must be returned unopened, sealed and in the original packaging.
• Downton Distillery Ltd will refund accepted returns within 30 days of you notifying us.
• The postage of the return is the responsibility of the purchaser.
• Loss or damage during transit of goods being returned is the responsibility of the purchaser.

• Please note delivery will require a signature from an over 18.
• The small 50ml bottles are deemed as small parcels by Royal Mail.
• All deliveries are sent by signed & tracked post.
• Deliveries will not be made to minors and delivery services will not complete delivery if they are unsure of the persons age.
• We are unable to leave a package (even in a ‘safe place’) without a signature.
• For UK deliveries please allow 3 - 5 working days from payment.
• The distillery is not responsible for Royal Mail strikes or late deliveries by Royal Mail.