The creation of Great Bustard Autumnal Gin began with a simple idea. Capture the feeling of autumn in the landscape surrounding Downton Distillery and translate it into flavour. Rather than creating a traditional fruit gin, the aim was to reflect the harvest season across the Wiltshire countryside through local ingredients, orchard produce and warming spice.
The process started with fresh local apple juice and quince. Apples bring bright freshness and natural orchard character, while quince contributes deeper aromas and subtle caramel notes once prepared. Around five apples go into every bottle, creating richness and texture that feels connected to the season itself.
The recipe then moved beyond fruit. Cubeb pepper, cardamom, ginger, fenugreek and schisandra were introduced to build warmth and complexity. Each botanical was chosen to create layers rather than dominate. The challenge was balance. Autumn can easily become heavy or overly spiced. The goal instead was freshness first, followed by gentle warmth and a long finish.
Like the original Great Bustard Gin, the spirit remains rooted in the landscape and conservation story surrounding the Great Bustard reintroduction project. It reflects a sense of place and celebrates ingredients grown around the distillery and local producers.
Creating Autumnal Great Bustard Gin required numerous trials, adjustments and tastings to achieve the right profile. The result is a spirit designed to evoke orchard harvests, changing colours and cooler evenings. Since launching, it has quickly gained recognition, receiving multiple awards and praise for creating something that feels both familiar and completely different within the gin category.