If you’re a London dry gin lover, then this gin is for you. The smoothness of this gin despite the increased ABV is something the judges particularly enjoyed. This is due to the importance we place on creating a high quality craft gin throughout the distillation process. I nfused for 12 hours prior to distillation in our local copper still, our classic gin botanicals are well-balanced and premium quality.

Tasting Notes: The Respect Gin is a beautiful London Dry Craft Gin. Precisely balanced and exceptionally smooth, it offers a strong juniper profile complemented by zesty citrus undertones. The refreshing finish is a testament to our commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Enjoy every sip of this beautiful gin that truly deserves respect. Wessex Distillery’s Alfred the Great Gin is a citrus-led gin – a nod to Jonathan’s palate – and the supporting botanicals have been selected to pay tribute to its namesake. This includes the classic gin botanical of juniper, which is notable in this spirit for its power. We love it in a gin and tonic,” says Jonathan. “Apple and juniper are delicious, or a twist of orange zest.” Tasting Notes: Our exceptionally smooth premium gin is precisely balanced, with a strong initial thump of juniper, followed by enlightening coriander and lively citrus endnotes.Tasting Notes: This is a London Dry so expect a strong juniper nose, with a touch of citrus, and a rooty finish. Our Classic Gin is strong, fiery, and full-bodied, with a perfect blend of complimentary of flavours. The time of Alfred the Great was one of great upheaval, and folk wisdom and religion played a huge role in binding the embattled Anglo-Saxons together and providing comfort and a sense of control. Herbal concoctions would have been used to heal physical and emotional hurts alike – not unlike a well-made G&T! A blanket of mystery and magic hung over the entire era, and Gill and Jonathan were keen to explore it further. Awarded the IWSC 2022 UK Gin Producer of the Year trophy, Wessex Distillery is more than a mere producer of gin; it's a guardian of traditional English gin, an innovator of new flavour profiles, and a steward for sustainable, responsible production in the modern age. Top with lemonade or soda water and garnish with an orange slice, sliced strawberries, and a mint sprig. Your host will give you an insight into our day-to-day operations, and you will learn about the history of gin, the local area before you head to get involved and distill your own gin with their gin lab activity. Use your owncopper gin still to create your own gin recipe, bottle it and take it home. This 2 hour experience also includes sampling some of the current Wesssex gin range, a G&T on arrival.

We wanted to create a well-balanced, smooth, traditional craft gin. Our no-fuss approach highlights the pure quality of our distillation method and allows the juniper flavour to be the focus. Based in the Wessex countryside, our family-run local distillery strives to create heavenly, premium gin. Alternatively, try a Charlie Chaplin; Add equal measures of Wessex Distillery’s English sloe gin, apricot brandy, and lime juice. Shake, strain, then garnish with lime peel. When the Romans beat their retreat from the British Isles, they left in their wake five kingdoms. The southernmost was Wessex, which encompassed the modern-day counties of Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire and Somerset. Once a great kingdom, those who have heard of Wessex today remember it mostly as the only Anglo-Saxon kingdom to resist one of history’s great invading forces: the Vikings. But all good things must come to an end, and after 40 years in the City of London, Jonathan decided it was time to move on. But the quiet life of post-retirement didn’t entirely appeal. It was intoxicating stuff. As Jonathan says, “With its fascinating history, myths and stories, the idea of Wessex caught the imagination.”

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When Jonathan and his wife, Gill decided to start up a brand new distillery, a passion project just for them and their amazing family to run together, they wanted to make sure that they were taking what they’d learned from their first go around and applying it in a new way. Often overlooked in favour of the dramatic Tudors, the controversial Victorians and the allure of the Swinging Sixties, the Anglo-Saxon era was one of the most important in English history – though, in fact, it was before there was even an England at all! Many gin fans will already be familiar with the distiller of whom we speak. After all, he was the man behind another Craft Gin Club gin – albeit under a completely different brand. It took one incredible king to bring these kingdoms together and vanquish the Viking threat: Alfred the Great. An unlikely war hero, with crippling stomach problems but an unparalleled intellect, Alfred lived in a world where magic, mystery and medicine were all rolled into one.

It doesn’t stand out as a distinct flavour,” says Jonathan of chervil, “but we think it adds something to the taste of juniper.”

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Looking for the best sloe gin? Our traditional English sloe gin is patiently nurtured for over 6 months for an extremely smooth result. Our sloe berries are sourced straight from the English countryside and are steeped with natural sugar to release their rich flavour, and give the best English sloe gin it’s classic royal red complexion. This is all done by us in our local craft gin copper still. Perfect as a double measure in an iced-filled Wessex chalice , our premium gin can be paired with light tonic water and garnished with a twist of orange. Inspired by this ancient text and awed by King Alfred the Great’s incredible journey, one master distiller set out to craft a gin that would pay tribute to this great man’s life and his turbulent times.

Don't miss this exclusive opportunity to own a piece of history. Our Wessex Coronation Gin is available for a limited time only, individually numbered 70cl bottles produced.Join us to toast Pride Month with our Special Edition Wessex Respect Gin. Here's to celebrating diversity, individuality, and inclusivity. Cheers to Pride! 🏳️‍🌈 As Jonathan says, “Our first priority was to create a new London dry gin with a Wessex twist. That’s what we’ve done with Alfred the Great Gin.” As Jonathan says, “Alfred battled the Vikings throughout his entire reign, and this is reflected in the big thump of piney juniper.” Perfect as a double measure in a Wessex chalice , add a generous amount of ice, filled to the top with light tonic water and a twist of grapefruit. We wanted to bring a bit of Wessex magic to the gins,” says Jonathan, “so we started exploring the plants and herbs that were around in the Anglo-Saxon era – not just grown here, but also what might have been brought in from overseas.”