We’re proud to introduce our very first fruit gin, crafted with wild damsons hand-picked from the rugged hedgerows of Kimmeridge Bay on the Jurassic Coast.

Infused into our award winning Explorer’s Gin and aged for four years in an inert vessel, this spirit has been shaped entirely by time, not wood or additives.

The result is a beautifully rich, amber-hued gin with a deep, natural complexity. The bold cedar notes of Explorer’s Gin have mellowed, allowing the damsons’ rich, jammy character to shine through.

It strikes a fine balance without tipping into sweetness, with gentle tannin's from the damson skins and a clean, dry finish. As it lingers on the palate, a soft peppery warmth gradually emerges, adding depth and a touch of intrigue to the final sip.

This is not your typical fruit gin, no sugar, no shortcuts, just craftsmanship, patience, and a touch of coastal wildness.

• Limited Edition of 40 bottles only.
• Bottle size 350ml @40% ABV.
• Calories per shot 55
• Macerated and bottled at Downton Distillery.
  

HOW TO ENJOY

• Perfect for sipping neat as an aperitif.
• Or mixing into sophisticated cocktails. 
• Try with some sparkling wine.
• Avoid serving with tonic as quinine might overpower and spoil the flavour.

AWARDS

Nose: Wonderful aroma of damson wafts up to the nose, jammy notes with marzipan.

Palate: Our Damson Gin opens with a vibrant burst of damson on the palate, delivering a medium intensity of flavour that’s rich but never overly sweet. As the spirit warms, the juniper and peppercorn oils gradually unfold, deepening the experience.

It’s beautifully soft no harsh alcohol burn allowing the pink pepper to add a gentle, warming glow through the core, while delicate Sichuan oils leave a subtle, cooling tingle on the finish.

Dry (uses Explorer's Gin as the base), bold, balanced, and full of character.

Finish: Smooth, rounded full bodied, with a luxurious texture.

• Orchard Spirits is a celebration of local abundance, crafted in small, seasonal batches that showcase the best of what our surrounding landscape has to offer.
• Each release is made using surplus or specially selected fruit grown in partnership with nearby growers and orchards, supporting local agriculture while reducing waste.
• From sun-ripened damsons, windfall apples, green walnuts to grape juice lees.
• These eau de vies and spirits are distilled to capture the true character of the fruit at its peak.
• Limited in quantity and rooted in place, Orchard Spirits tell a story of community, seasonality, and the rich flavours of the land.

While not certified organic, the damsons were hand-picked in August 2020 from wild, untreated trees growing naturally om the coastline at Kimmeridge Bay. Free from pesticides and full of coastal character, they’re as close to nature as it gets.

Unlike traditional damson gin, which is typically made by steeping fruit in vodka and adding sugar resulting in a sweet liqueur at around 20% ABV, our Aged Damson Gin takes a bolder, more refined approach.

We use our award-winning Explorer’s Gin as the base, allowing the damsons to shine without the need for added sugars. The result is a spirit that’s richer, drier, and full of depth celebrating the true character of the fruit, not masking it.

We’ve chosen wax seals over paper or plastic because, let’s be honest they’re just more fun.

Each wax seal is hand-poured, giving every bottle a unique finish that feels like opening a treasure.

Beyond the looks, wax is a more sustainable choice than plastic shrink wrap, and it avoids the fiddly waste of paper seals. It’s our nod to tradition, a bit of theatre, and a touch of eco-friendly flair all rolled into one satisfying pop.

• 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.
• All deliveries are sent by signed post, whilst courier will be tracked.
• 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.