Whatever your drink of preference, there are lots of British options to choose from. In this post, we look at a few of the distilleries, wineries, and breweries around the country. Perhaps you’ll find a new favourite tipple.
Isle of Scilly Spirits
Gin has seen a huge resurgence in popularity over the last decade and it seems everyone is getting in on the game. Did you know that the Isles of Scilly have several distillers producing their own gin? Tresco Abbey Garden Gin comes in two varieties, regular and oak-aged. Both are produced by Westward Farm on the island of St. Agnes. Their regular gin is flavoured with the South African confetti bush that you can see in abundance in the local gardens. Hints of kaffir lime and grains of paradise add to its distinct taste. The oak-aged version takes this same recipe and then ages it in port barrels to give it a red glow and a warmer taste.
If gin is not your thing, try some of the local spiced rum, distilled using local honey.
Smith & Weston Artisan Gin
Head over to the mainland and the Dorset coast for more gin. Boscombe-based Smith & Weston combines London dry gin with local fruits to produce a range of gin liqueurs. They are perfect for mixing with soda or tonic, if you prefer a fizz, or enjoy them on their own with a little ice. Flavours include blueberry lavender, strawberry lavender, rhubarb, orange, gooseberry and elderflower, and many more. Order them online in a selection of sizes, including an adorable Christmas tree bauble filled with your favourite flavour.
Dampney’s Remarkable Drinks
We continue along the south coast to Hampshire where we find Dampney’s, purveyors of more fine fruit liqueurs. The company launched their range in 2017 and offer gin, vodka, and rum-based liqueurs. Try sipping them on their own or with tonic. Or mix your preferred fruity option with sparkling wine to make a refreshing alternative to Bucks Fizz. Buy online or, if you’re in Hampshire, keep an eye open at your local farmer’s market. Dampney’s also offer special custom-engraved magnum bottles, perfect for that special occasion.
Salcombe Brewery Co.
Salcombe Brewery got its start in 2016 and is already racking up quite a list of awards. Last year, their Pilsner won gold in the Taste of West Beer category while Sun Drop came second in the vegan category. They have also won several accolades in the Society of Independent Brewers Annual Beer Awards. Salcombe’s Heritage collection includes Shingle Bay, a fruity golden ale; Lifesaver, a chocolately chestnut ale; Devon Amber, a bitter; Salcombe Gold, a light hoppy ale; and Seahorse, an amber ale. For every bottle of Seahorse sold, 5p is donated to The Seahorse Trust. There is also a Disvoery collection that includes, among others, Island Street Porter, Sun Drop, and Ocean Cider. And you don’t have to wait until your next holiday in Torquay to pick some up. You can buy online.
Adnams, Southwold
Having difficulty choosing between wine, beer, cider, and spirits? Or perhaps you’re having a party and would like a wide selection. You can get everything you need from Adnams. The Suffolk company has some interesting brews, including Ghost Ship, a citrus Halloween ale that proved so popular they now make it all year, Black Shore Stout, and Wild Wave Cider. How about their vodka or whisky, both distilled in East Anglia. And for something truly different, try their Spirit of Broadside, described as an after-dinner digestif that is sure to please both the whisky connoisseur and the intrepid beer fan.
Cheers!