Having only launched this Summer, The Henley Distillery is already celebrating award-winning status. The Distillery's first two expressions have won plaudits at The Spirits Business Gin Masters Part-2 which announced last week (1 December) with the Henley Gin Classic Dry winning a GOLD medal in the 'Ultra Premium' category and the Henley Gin Rhubarb & Orange taking a MASTER medal, the highest accolade possible, in the 'Pink Gin' category. The judging panel said of the latter: “Quality‐wise, this was leaps and bounds above the rest. It combines so many pink and dark fruit sensations, cassis on the nose, confected raspberry, jammy rhubarb on the palate – but all balanced.”

Jacob Wilson, proprietor and Master Distiller at The Henley Distillery commented on the success: “We were over the moon to receive this news last week! We believe in the quality of our products but to have independent judges give us such amazing feedback is that extra confidence boost. Only 11 MASTER medals were issued in the entire competition, across all categories, so to have secured one for our Rhubarb & Orange gin is a real feather in our cap.”

Launched in the summer of 2021, The Henley Distillery is one of the newest and most exciting distilleries in the UK. Based from a restored threshing barn just outside Henley-on-Thames, the Distillery was established by Jacob Wilson, who is one of the youngest Master Distillers in the country. He produces small batch, hand-crafted gins in three editions:

• Henley Gin, Classic Dry (42% ABV). RRP £40 (70cl). A contemporary twist on a London Dry, this signature sipping gin elegantly builds on the familiar juniper foundation as citrusy flavours blossom from orange peel, lime leaves and lemongrass; warmth flickers from bold Szechuan peppercorns before mellowing with the deep, rich notes of cardamom and vanilla-like tonka beans to create a smooth, refined balance.
• Henley Gin, Rhubarb & Orange (42% ABV). RRP £40 (70cl). Deceptive in blushing pink, this single-shot, artisan gin has been layered with fresh hand-peeled orange zest and tart English rhubarb to create an elegant and refreshing gin.
• Henley Gin, Oriental Spiced (42% ABV). RRP £40 (70cl). New for winter 2021, this gin's complex blend of rich spices is inspired by the Silk Road. Long Pepper and Cubeb combine with fiery Ginger and hint of Lemon Zest.

Despite his young age, 27, Wilson's CV is impressive, with experience at Masons Yorkshire Gin and Spirit of Masham as Head Distiller, and as Master Distiller at Hensol Castle Distillery. Now as one of only a handful of distilleries in the UK owned and run by a Master Distiller, Wilson is putting his experience and techniques into practise with his own range of gins, with the emphasis firmly on using the finest ingredients and distilling processes and never compromising on quality. The Distillery is a family affair, with Wilson partnering with his father Alan who assists with design and sales, while his mother, Terry, helps with distilling and production.

The Henley Gins are distilled using two handmade 300 litre copper alembic stills. Named 'Tony' and 'Mac' after Wilson's grandfathers, the stills are heated over open flames and finely controlled - by slowing this distillation down to last 12 hours, the spirit produced is smoother and cleaner than those made by the more modern column stills. Furthermore, the gins are not chill-filtered, so that the delicate aromas and oils from the botanicals are retained, giving a more distinctive and rounded flavour.

Tours and Tastings: Launching this week, the Distillery will be offering 45-minute Tours & Tastings. Guests will join Wilson for the tour, enjoying samples of all three of the Henley Gins. There will be in-depth information on the distilling process, the choice and use of different botanicals and a tour of the beautiful barn. The tour ends with a G&T of the guest's favourite sample, or a 5cl miniature to take home (for designated drivers). Tours will run on Thursdays and Fridays at 7pm, and at 3pm and 5pm on Saturdays, and cost £15.

For more information on The Henley Distillery, visit www.thehenleydistillery.co.uk or call 07725 250832).

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NOTE TO EDITORS:

The Henley Distillery is based on the Phillimore Estate in Binfield Heath, Henley on Thames, RG9 4LG.

PRESS ENQUIRIES:  Julia Spence, Natalie Postlethwaite or Hugh Collins

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