Downton Distillery

Downton Distillery is a micro-distillery tucked away on the Wiltshire Downs in Downton, operating from a vineyard setting. They specialise in small-batch spirits, mainly gins, using locally sourced botanicals to highlight the area’s heritage and focus on sustainable practices.

The founder, Hugh, draws inspiration from history and exploration for products like Explorer’s Gin, which nods to adventurers, and Great Bustard Gin, named after the bird that’s been reintroduced nearby through conservation efforts.

They also make other spirits, emphasising ethical production without compromising on flavour.

They’ve picked up various awards over the years, including the Wiltshire Life Awards 2023 for sustainability and the Gin Guide Sustainability Award that same year, plus international recognition for their gins.

Visitors can join tours to see the process up close, learn about the ingredients, and sample the range – these last about an hour or two and are bookable through their site.

As for reviews, they come across really well overall. On Judge.me, the distillery scores a perfect 5 out of 5 from 183 customer ratings, with folks praising the quality and service.

For specific products, Great Bustard Gin gets 5 out of 5 from 25 reviews on their own site, where people describe it as their favourite, with bold, balanced flavours and spot-on customer support like quick deliveries and helpful updates.

Explorer’s Gin fares similarly on Master of Malt, averaging 4.94 out of 5 from 31 reviews, often called premium and full of fresh, herbal notes with a spicy kick.

The tours also get glowing feedback, rated 5 out of 5 from 14 reviews, highlighting how informative and enjoyable they are, with Hugh’s enthusiasm for the history, sustainability, and tastings making it feel personal and fun in small groups.

There aren’t many negative comments popping up; most focus on the positives like exceptional taste and friendly vibe. On Facebook, it’s 100 percent recommended from a smaller set of 13 reviews.