Blenheim Palace is launching its own signature gin in time for Christmas using botanicals grown on the Oxfordshire estate.
Described as ‘elegant and stylish’, the Blenheim Palace Signature London Dry Gin has been created in partnership with the prestigious Sky Wave Gin distillery in Bicester, shortlisted for Distillery of the Year 2021 at the World Gin Awards.
It features lavender and rosemary picked from the UNESCO World Heritage Site’s walled gardens, alongside Blenheim orange apples from its orchards.
Blenheim natural mineral water is also used in the distilling process to give the gin its distinctive smooth taste.
The recipe is the inspiration of Andrew Parsons, Sky Wave Gin’s Master Distiller, who created the World’s Best Contemporary Gin. He believes Blenheim’s most famous son, Sir Winston Churchill, would approve of the new spirit.
“It’s been a delight to work on this unique project with Blenheim Palace,” said Andrew.
“We could achieve nothing less than the finest quality for such a prestigious client and much-loved institution.
“Six months in the making, this gin is incredibly smooth with a wonderfully complex flavour profile. I feel confident in saying the Blenheim Palace Signature London Dry Gin would have become a favourite of Churchill himself, well known to be partial to a martini,” he added.
After distilling, the gin is gently rested for seven days to allow the unique flavours and aromas to develop, before being bottled and labelled by hand.
“We are extremely fortunate to have a multi award-winning distillery on our doorstep and who better to ask to create our very own signature gin?” said Blenheim Palace’s Head of Retail, Judy Bendall.
“Andrew has been incredibly helpful in creating this exciting new product and his expertise, combined with that of our head gardener Hilary Wood, has resulted in something truly unique to Blenheim,” she added.
The gin is available to buy in time for Christmas both at the Blenheim Palace shop and online and costs £36.95.