The Cotswolds have emerged as a premier destination for craft gin production, offering a unique approach to spirit-making that celebrates local ingredients and traditional distillation techniques. This guide dives deep into the world of local gin craftsmanship, uncovering the unique botanical treasures and artisanal techniques that make Cotswold gins stand out like a lighthouse among a sea of spirits. From the traditional copper pot still methods to innovative flavour profiles featuring local ingredients like lavender, quince, and elderflower, we’ll navigate the rich waters of Cotswold gin culture, revealing the stories, cocktails, and distilleries that make this region a premium destination for some truly special gin.
Understanding Local Cotswold Gin: How is gin made and what is it brewed from?
What is Gin made from
Gin is made from a neutral grain, typically wheat or barley, which is fermented and distilled. This is then redistilled with juniper berries and other botanicals, giving it its core juniper flavour. The other botanicals that the gin is distilled with, differentiates that particular gin’s flavour. Other botanicals often include coriander, angelica root, citrus peel, and cardamom. What distinguishes Cotswold gins of course, is their use of local botanicals like lavender, bay leaves and local honeys, that complement the essential base ingredients so well. Additionally, local limestone-filtered spring water adds subtle mineral notes to the gin. The result is aromatic, herbal, and citrusy.
Cotswold Gin Distillery: How is Gin Made
Cotswold gin uses a traditional copper pot still method to produce gin. The botanicals are first macerated in the neutral grain spirit for 24 hours before distillation. By slowing the process, this allows for the optimal extraction of essential oils, creating a flavourful and remarkably smooth spirit.
What makes Cotswold Gin stand out?
By prioritising local ingredients Cotswolds Gin delivers a distinction and freshness that can’t be replicated elsewhere! While other household favourite names like Hendrick’s, Tanqueray and Gordon’s all offer their own unique and often bold flavours, local Cotswold gin offers a bright and delicate comparison, standing up against other full-bodied gins. By combining the traditional pot still method with innovative craftsmanship, Cotswold Gin achieves an exceptional, smooth texture and mouthfeel due to the high volume of essential oils extracted, while small-batch production allows for meticulous quality control. The result is a high-quality, flavourful gin with a smooth finish.
Different Cotswold Gins
Cotswold Dry Gin:
The flagship gin, featuring bold notes of juniper, citrus, and lavender.
Cotswold Wildflower Gin:
Inspired by the local wildflowers, this gin is floral and fragrant with hints of lavender, chamomile, and mint.
Cotswold Old Tom Gin:
A slightly sweeter, historical gin style with earthy undertones.
Cotswold Sloe Gin:
Infused with handpicked sloe berries, this is a richer, fruitier gin with a dark, ruby color and slightly sweet finish.
Signature Local Brands
Cotswolds Dry Gin (46% ABV)
- The flagship gin from Cotswolds Distillery
- Notes of fresh grapefruit, lime, and local lavender
- Perfect for classic cocktails like Martinis and Tom Collins
- Works well with: Fever-Tree Indian Tonic
Sibling Distillery Triple Distilled Gin (42% ABV)
- Created by four siblings in Cheltenham
- Vanilla and blueberry notes
- Exceptionally smooth finish
- Plays a wonderful role in a Bramble, complementing fresh lemon and blackberry Equally in a Clover club, the fruit notes enhance this popular cocktail
- Works well with: Double Dutch Indian Tonic
British Polo Gin No.3 Botanical (42% ABV)
- Crafted in Gloucestershire
- Features local elderflower and vanilla
- Elegant, refined character
- Vanilla notes complement beautifully in a French 75, champagne cocktail, or alongside apple elderflower and mint in an English Garden cocktail.
- Works well with: Fever-Tree Mediterranean
Wood Brothers Gin (42% ABV)
- Distilled on a family farm near Cirencester
- Uses local quince and apple
- Complex yet balanced profile
- Try in a gin fizz, letting the apple notes shine through, or anything with elderflower
- Works well with: Fever-Tree Elderflower Tonic, or ginger ale and lime
The Oxford Artisan Distillery (TOAD) Organic Gin (46% ABV)
- Crafted in South Leigh, Oxfordshire (on the Cotswolds border)
- Features heritage grains grown in ancient sustainable ways
- Rich with meadowsweet and locally foraged botanicals
- Traditional craft character
- Good in classic cocktails like Martini or standing up against strong vermouth in a Negroni
- Works well with: Double Dutch Indian Tonic
Find your local distillery:
Cotswolds Distillery
- Location: Shipston-on-Stour, Warwickshire
Sibling Distillery
- Location: Charlton Kings, Cheltenham
British Polo Gin Distillery
- Location: Charlton Kings, Cheltenham
Wood Brothers Distillery
- Location: Bampton, Oxfordshire
The Oxford Artisan Distillery
- Location: Oxford, Oxfordshire
Cotswold Gin Cocktails
Cotswold G&T
The perfect classic gin and tonic. Pair Cotswold Dry Gin with a premium tonic, and garnish with a slice of pink grapefruit for an aromatic twist.
- Cotswolds Dry Gin (46% ABV)
- 45 ml Cotswold Dry Gin
- Premium tonic water
- Garnish: Slice of pink grapefruit
- Glass: Balloon or Copa glass
Cotswold Negroni
For a bold, bittersweet drink, mix equal parts Cotswold gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. This cocktail brings out the earthy notes in Cotswold gin, hence it’s a big hit among Negroni fans.
- The Oxford Artisan Distillery (TOAD) Organic Gin (46% ABV)
- 30 ml Gin
- 30 ml Campari
- 30 ml Sweet vermouth
- Garnish: Orange twist
- Glass: Smal rocks glass
Bramble
Mix Cotswold gin meets fresh lemon juice and a drizzle of blackberry liqueur for a sweet and satisfying drink – always a crowd favourite in our experience.
- Sibling Distillery Triple Distilled Gin (42% ABV)
- 45 ml Gin
- 15 ml Fresh lemon juice
- 15 ml Simple syrup
- 10 ml Blackberry liqueur
- Garnish: Fresh blackberries or a lemon wheel
- Glass: Large tumbler
English Garden
Another crowd pleaser, where Cotswold Gin’s bright and herbaceous notes combine beautifully with elderflower and apple juice for an equally elegant and refreshing cocktail.
- British Polo Gin No.3 Botanical (42% ABV)
- Wood Brothers Gin (42% ABV)
- 45 ml Gin
- 15 ml Elderflower liqueur
- 60 ml Apple juice
- 15 ml Fresh lime juice
- Garnish: Fresh mint leaves
- Glass: Highball
Clover Club
This classic shaken gin cocktail brings together gin, lemon juice, raspberry liqueur and egg white to create a silky and visually stunning drink that balances tart and sweet.
- Sibling Distillery Triple Distilled Gin (42% ABV)
- 45 ml Gin
- 15 ml Fresh lemon juice
- 15 ml Raspberry syrup
- 1 Egg white
- Garnish: Fresh raspberries
- Glass: Coupe
Cotswold Mule
Offering a twist on the classic Moscow Mule, with gin subbing in for vodka, alongside ginger beer and fresh lime for a zesty cocktail with a hint of spice.
- Wood Brothers Gin (42% ABV)
- 45 ml Gin
- 120 ml Ginger beer
- 15 ml Fresh lime juice
- Garnish: Lime wedge and fresh mint sprig
- Glass: Copper tin
How To Serve Cotswold Gin
Essential Gin Glassware Guide
For the best experience, serve Cotswold gin in a large Copa de Balon. If not, highballs and large tumbler glasses can also be used. These wide-bowled glasses allow the aromas of the gin and botanicals to fully develop, enhancing each sip. However certain cocktails call for certain glassware, so be sure to check the recipe.
Premium Tonic Pairings
The right gin and tonic pairing can elevate the flavour of Cotswold gin. Look for high-quality, neutral tonics which complements the brighter notes in Cotswold gin without overpowering it. In particular Indian tonics, or mediterranean tonic which offer a slightly herbaceous flavour can really bring out the best in Cotswold gins, floral tonics such as elderflower also pair well with these gins.
- Dry Gins: Classic Indian tonics to let it shine or a citrusy/ fruity tonic to cut through the dry.
- Fruit or Pink gins: Use soft and fragrant tonics like elderflower or Fever Tree’s aromatic tonic.
- Citrus-forward Gins: Use Indian or Mediterranean tonic
- Floral Gins: Try elderflower tonic or light Indian tonic
- Spice-forward Gins: Stick to classic Indian tonic or ginger beer.
- Subtle Gins: Use light tonic to let the gin shine
Garnish recommendations
Always use fresh fruits and herbs and as a general rule, match garnish to key botanicals in the gin. Try to take seasonality into consideration and don’t over-garnish – let the gin speak for itself!
Temperature and ice considerations
Store gin at room temperature and chill glasses before serving if possible. Cotswold Gin pairings are best served well-chilled and ideally with large ice cubes as these melt slower, preserving the drink’s flavour without too much dilution. Going for extra points, you could freeze botanicals such as lemon peels or herbs into your ice cubes for an extra flavour and presentation! Aim for serving temperature of 0-5°C.
Where to by Cotswold Gins
- Local Stockists: Many small and independent farm shops throughout the Cotswolds will likely carry different Cotswold gins and are often your best bet. Bigger establishments like Daylesford as well as some larger supermarkets will also offer a wide range of different local gins and spirits.
- Online Retailers Craft Gin Clubs: Craft gin clubs can be an excellent way to dive into the world of local crafted gins and explore your preferences through small sample sizes.
- Cotswold bars and Pubs: Home to countless Cotswold pubs where premium hospitality is balanced with a warming British country pub charm. Here you can experience a range of locally distilled gins and craft beers and exceptional gastro style dining.
- The Kingham Plough, Kingham
- The Chequers Churchill, Chipping Norton
- The Crown, Minchinhampton
- The Lygon Arms, Broadway
- The Bell at Sapperton, Gloucestershire
Expert Tips and FAQs.
Q: What is Gin made of? A: Gin is made from a neutral grain spirit infused with botanicals, with juniper as the primary ingredient. Cotswold gin includes regional botanicals like lavender and bay leaves, giving it a unique profile.
Q: What is Gin brewed from? A: Gin has an impressive shelf life and, if stored properly in a cool, dark place, will retain its flavour for years. Once opened, it’s best to consume gin within a couple of years to enjoy its full aromatic potential.
Q: Is Gin gluten free? A: Yes, gin is generally gluten-free. Although it’s made from grain spirits, the distillation process removes any gluten proteins, making it safe for people with gluten sensitivities.
Q: Is Gin vegan? A: Most gin, including Cotswold gin, is vegan-friendly. It’s distilled with botanicals and does not involve any animal products, making it a suitable choice for vegans.
