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DISPATCHES FROM THE DOWNS
Go beyond the bottle and discover the stories, landscapes and people behind Downton Distillery. Each month, our newsletter shares new releases, exclusive subscriber offers, conservation updates, seasonal botanicals, behind-the-scenes insights and invitations to special events before anyone else.
STRAIGHT FROM THE DOWNS
WRITTEN BY THE DISTILLER
"Every month I sit down and write Dispatches personally. Some editions cover new spirits, others conservation projects, adventures or discoveries from the distillery garden. If something catches my attention, it usually ends up in Dispatches."
Downton Distillery is run by a single person. Every newsletter is written personally by him. He shares the stories, successes, challenges and discoveries behind the spirits we create. No marketing agency. No automated content. Just honest updates from the Wiltshire Downs.
MORE THAN A DISCOUNT CODE
WHAT YOU'LL RECEIVE.
Our newsletter is more than product updates and special offers. It is a monthly journey through the landscapes, wildlife, flavours and adventures that inspire Downton Distillery. From conservation projects on the Wiltshire Downs and seasonal botanical harvests to stories from distant places and new spirit releases, Dispatches from the Downs gives subscribers a closer connection to the people, places and ideas behind every bottle.
Subscribers get first access to limited releases | private events | subscriber-only offers before public launch.
ADVENTURES
Each month we explore a new destination, culture or tradition from around the world.
NEW RELEASES
Be first to hear about limited editions, collaborations and seasonal spirits.
REWARDS
Access exclusive discounts, early purchasing windows and subscriber-only rewards.
CONSERVATION
Follow the progress of Great Bustards, juniper rewilding projects across the Downs.
DAILY LIFE
Harvests, botanical discoveries, distillery life and the stories shaping future releases.
direct from customers
SUBSCRIBER TESTIMONIALS
Before creating Dispatches From The Downs, we asked our customers what they actually wanted from a newsletter. The answer was remarkably consistent. Most inboxes are overflowing with marketing emails, endless promotions and messages competing for attention.
People told us they wanted something worth reading. Stories that inform, inspire and occasionally surprise. A chance to discover new places, learn about our botanicals, conservation projects and the people behind them. Something that feels more like a monthly magazine than another sales email.
Of course, there is one part many readers admit they look forward to. Hidden somewhere within each edition is a small thank you from us. A subscriber-only offer, early access to a new release or a special invitation. A little reward for taking the time to join us on the journey.
Newsletter Stats:
Monthly | Join 3,119 Readers | 52.4% Read the Newsletter | Written personally by Hugh
Readers Responses:
"One of the few newsletters I actually read." | "Interesting even when I'm not buying spirits." | "Love the Downs Snapshots."
WHAT OUR SUBSCRIBERS ARE READING
FROM RECENT EDITIONS
Every edition of Dispatches from the Downs is packed with stories from the distillery, the Wiltshire Downs and beyond. Here is a taste of the topics, adventures and discoveries shared with subscribers throughout the year.
View the May 2026 Newsletter
THE Great Wall of China
ADVENTURE
This month, we explore the Great Wall of China, (Yellow Cliff Pass) a remarkable journey across mountains, ancient frontiers and centuries of history.
TALISKER CHALLENGE
ADVENTURERS
Imagine spending weeks at sea in a tiny rowing boat. The Talisker Challenge covers 3,000 miles across the unforgiving Atlantic Ocean.
WALKING ROUND THE WORLD
EXPLORERS
Follow Merlin Evans as he walks solo around the world, a remarkable journey of endurance, resilience and determination against extraordinary odds.
Distillery Garden
DIARY
One of my favourite times of day is sitting quietly in the distillery garden with a cup of coffee, listening to the dawn chorus, hidden amongst the plants.
FROM THE DISTILLERY JOURNAL
RECENT STORIES
Part field journal, part travel diary and part distillery notebook, our journal captures the stories that shape Downton Distillery. Explore seasonal harvests, conservation projects, spirit creation, wildlife on the Wiltshire Downs and adventures from around the world. Each article offers a glimpse into the people, places and ideas behind every bottle.
Summer Cup No.1 | Gin Cocktail
Discover our Summer No.1 Cup with Great Bustard Autumnal Gin. Fresh apple, quince and warming spice bring a countryside twist to a classic British summer serve.
Walnut Manhattan | Nocino Cocktail
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...