The Gin
Winner of 71 prestigious international awards, it is expected that Highclere Castle Gin will become the most awarded gin by the end of 2021. Highclere Castle Gin possesses a rare level of smoothness that allows it to be enjoyed on the rocks. Traditionally, it is exceptional when mixed with tonic and a lime or in a classic martini cocktail.
Recovered from the Carnarvon family archives stored deep within the castle, menus and letters reference gin cocktails from the early 1900’s. Enjoyed in the “Highclere Style” for over a century, the traditional method of indulgence involves a cocktail made with gin, tonic, a fresh orange squeeze and peel, and finished with a rosemary sprig from the garden.
Juniper has grown wild on the estate since the ancient Roman days, and forms the backbone of this super premium London Dry Gin.
The Botanicals
The Distillery
Distilled above an ancient underground water source, Highclere Castle Gin is produced at Langley Distillery; England’s oldest gin distillery in one of the oldest working copper gin stills dating back to the 1800’s.
The recipe was meticulously developed over two years. Our careful selection of botanicals in the recipe, contain essential oils; it is the extraction of these oils in the presence of alcohol that gives Highclere Castle Gin its uniquely smooth flavour.
To begin the distillation process, the botanicals are carefully weighed out and added to the still, along with a charge of spirits made from English wheat. 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. The boiling process begins to turn the liquid into vapour which rises to the swan neck and water-cooled condenser, turning the vapour back into liquid. The distillation is separated out into three parts; heads, hearts and tails. It is only the heart section that is used in the Highclere gin-making process; this liquid holds the most subtle and refined of the aromas and flavours given off during the distillation.
The Distillery
Distilled above an ancient underground water source, Highclere Castle Gin is produced at Langley Distillery; England’s oldest gin distillery in one of the oldest working copper gin stills dating back to the 1800’s.
The recipe was meticulously developed over two years. Our careful selection of botanicals in the recipe, contain essential oils; it is the extraction of these oils in the presence of alcohol that gives Highclere Castle Gin its uniquely smooth flavour.
To begin the distillation process, the botanicals are carefully weighed out and added to the still, along with a charge of spirits made from English wheat. 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. The boiling process begins to turn the liquid into vapour which rises to the swan neck and water-cooled condenser, turning the vapour back into liquid. The distillation is separated out into three parts; heads, hearts and tails. It is only the heart section that is used in the Highclere gin-making process; this liquid holds the most subtle and refined of the aromas and flavours given off during the distillation.
HIGHCLERE®, HIGHCLERE CASTLE™, HIGHCLERE CASTLE GIN™, THE PERFECT GIN™ and the associated HIGHCLERE CASTLE GIN trade dress and goodwill are protected trademarks.
