SENSORY SCIENCE
OUR PROCESS
Involves the systematic evaluation of the sensory attributes. The appearance, aroma, clarity, flavour and texture of products through human sensory perception.
ACTUALLY MADE IN DOWNTON
UK has experienced a craft spirits boom in recent years. This has led to the emergence of numerous small-scale, artisanal distilleries producing unique and high-quality spirits, often with a focus on local ingredients and innovative flavour profiles. Large spirits companies have also sought to jump aboard the spirits revival bandwagon with their own sub-brands, appearing as smaller craft brands, with their own funky branding. With little transparency on offer customers have been confused in who they are supporting, a small local distillery or a global brand. The ‘Made In’ Campaign is to provide transparency to this question, that you are supporting local.
BOTANICALS
A range of botanicals that are foraged for or sourced locally. Once used all our botanicals are composted, which are then used as fertiliser in the vineyards.
herbaceous & Sweet
Alfalfa / lucerne
An ancient plant whose history goes back to the Romans who called it the 'father of all foods' with it's ability to put nitrogen back into the ground. It is an important food source for the Great Bustard on Salisbury Plain. Young shoots are sold as bean sprouts at markets and used in salads. This provides the herbaceous back bone to Great Bustard Gin.
FLORAL & PINE
RED CEDAR
The leaves of Western Red Cedar are bright green with a fragrant aroma when crushed. The oils provide woody, bright, citrus, pine over tones which pairs well with juniper. The tree originated from the west coast of America in 1852, where it is revered. It provides the back bone to Explorer's Gin.
Cacao & Pepper
chardonnay Pomace
Used in our Charonnay Vodka. Most discard their pomace once the grapes have been pressed. We take the skin, stems and seeds, barrel it and ferment it prior to distilling. The skins provide a very distinctive profile which are cacao and pepper notes, alongside the sweet notes you expect from the wine. Once distilled we compost the pomace. A sustainable spirit.
Mild, sweet & nutty
walnuts
There are several walnut trees growing around the distillery and what a great way to show local provenance through our Nocino. Wet walnuts are cut and infused alongside various spices, coffee beans and vanilla. Maple syrup is used to sweeten the spirit creating a liqeuer rich in flavour, that has a distinctive earthy, herbal note. A sustainable spirit.
workmanship
We handcraft all our spirits, meticulously following recipes we've developed, tested, and perfected, incorporating locally or ethically sourced ingredients. Each ingredient playing a part within that spirit.
We start by macerating the botanicals in alcohol for 48hrs before distilling them. Once distilled we leave the new spirits to rest prior to diluting them with our own natural spring water from the downs.
We do not use chill filtration, this is where the spirit once chilled is passed through a fine mesh filter, often made of cellulose or activated charcoal. The filter traps any fatty acids, proteins, and other compounds that can cause the spirit to become hazy or develop a cloudy appearance when chilled.
There is no automation, with every step done by hand, which is carefully monitored ensuring we create spirits of distinction that are characterful and unique.
Our still is called Abeona. She was the Roman goddess of outward journeys, watching over those who set out on their adventures. She also watched over children as they left home for the first time to explore the world.
our ethos
We want to create unique quality spirits using traditional practices, whilst creating a visionary and sustainable brand. We believe in supporting ethical suppliers and producers, whilst contributing to our vibrant industry and inspiring others to follow our steps. Together working with other local businesses, we can bring meaningful benefits, sustainable actions, rewilding, supporting charities, sharing stories and helping each other succeed in these times of hardship. Ambition means nothing without action.
We also love a good collaboration or challenge. Just ask James.
