Highclere Castle Gin

About Highclere Castle Gin

Distilled above an ancient underground water source, Highclere Castle Gin is produced in England’s oldest gin distillery in one of the oldest working copper gin stills dating back to the 1800s.

This recipe was carefully developed over two years, after experimenting with several botanicals homegrown on the Highclere estate this meticulous selection of ingredients was chosen for the recipe that includes the extraction of essential oils, which in the presence of alcohol gives Highclere Castle Gin its uniquely smooth character.

At the beginning of the distillation process, the botanicals are slowly added to the still, along with a charge of spirits. After the lid is closed the steam jacket gently warms the still. This warming process allows the botanicals to begin releasing their oils for distillation and this process of maceration continues overnight. The following morning, the stills are heated to a higher temperature, making the charge boil.

A boiling process turns the liquid into vapor, which evaporates to the swan neck and water-cooled condenser, creating the liquid. The distillate is separated out into three parts; heads, hearts and tails. Only the heart section is used in the Highclere gin-making process; the most subtle and refined of the aromas and flavors are given off during the distillation.

The resultant high proof liquid is blended with water to precisely 43.5% ABV for maximum flavor. Known as “the real Downton Abbey,” Highclere Castle distilled this award-winning London Dry Gin to have an exceptionally smooth flavor profile which comes from ingredients like lavender, which was planted by the Bishops of Winchester in the 9th century, and citrus from the Victorian-era orangery and juniper that has grown wild at Highclere since Roman times. Highclere Castle Gin earned gold awards from both Critics Challenge and Proof awards, receiving a score of 94.

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About Gin

According to Winston Churchill, “The gin and tonic has saved more Englishmen’s lives and minds than all the doctors in the Empire,” referring to the British officers using it to treat malaria in India.

Initially made for medicinal purposes, gin gets most of its flavor from the juniper berries added after the distillation process. It sure has come a long way from the Middle Ages, with the introduction of new botanicals, fruits, and spices, bringing it closer to people of all flavor varieties.