Being quite the gin drinker I was really excited to go along for a tour of Henley Gin Distillery.
I’d never really heard much about them before, and had certainly never tried their gin. With the benefit of hindsight, I can safely say I was missing out!
You’ll find the distillery housed in an 18th century threshing barn in Henley on Thames. It’s run by Master Distiller Jacob Wilson who has been working in the industry for over 6 years. Jacob spent some time learning the trade and working for many large companies before starting his own distillery in June 2021 with his family. The gin is brewed in small batches over 12-hour periods in traditional copper pot stills. These sit over open flames which allow for more flavourful spirits and produce gins of the highest quality with a smooth finish. Every gin is crafted, then hand-bottled and labelled with the same integrity and care as the one before.
Their Classic Dry Gin was voted the Best London Dry Gin at the 2022 World Gin Awards.
On the nose, it is citrusy from the orange peel. On the tongue there’s warmth and spiciness from the kaffir lime leaves and Szechuan peppercorn. No tonic is needed for this one, it can be enjoyed simply with an ice cube neat. The Rhubarb and Orange gin is the one I was most intrigued by. It holds a Master Medal from The Gin Masters 2021 awards. The bright notes from the orange compliment the tartness from the English rhubarb, it is light and refreshing. I can imagine this would pair nicely with ginger ale on a hot summer’s day. Unlike other pink gins on the market, this offers complexity and sophistication.
The family does everything, from designing, distilling, bottling, and building. They do tastings, corporate gifts, a wide range of collaborations, and wedding packages. Jacob showed us the new barn they’re currently building. You’ll be able to book in group events which include a tour and tasting. There’ll also be the chance to make your own bespoke gin from their top-quality spices and miniature copper stills. I’m keeping my eyes peeled for this development and will be first in line to book my tickets. In the meantime, I made my way home with a few bottles in hand to sip happily on in the comfort of my own home.
Henley Gin Distillery
Hampstead Farm, Binfield Heath, Henley-on-Thames RG9 4LG
thehenleydistillery.co.uk
We visited as guests of Henley Distillery, all views remain our own.
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