And when it comes to yuletide celebrations , all of Kent ’ s distilleries are ready to help you make Christmas kick off with a resounding “ cheers !” to remember . Copper Rivet Distillery in Chatham have a vast range of spirits , from their Masthouse Whisky ( the perfect drink for Kent-loving whisky drinkers ) to their Son of a Gun Coffee Liqueur ideal for whipping up a festive espresso Martini ( garnish with a mini gingerbread man to make it more Christmassy ).
It doesn ’ t stop there either - plenty of vineyards and other producers are crafting their own gins infused with their signature produce , too . One such example is Castle Farm in Sevenoaks who have recruited the help of Maidstone Distillery to create their very own Lavender Gin .
This gin launched in summer 2023 , completely selling out within just one week ! A beautifully floral and soft gin , distilled with Kentish hedgerow botanicals and of course , the flavour of Castle Farm ’ s famous lavender , we think this would make a lovely gift this festive season .
CASTLE FARM LAVENDER GIN AND TONIC To create this serve , you will need :
• 1 measure of Castle Farm Lavender Gin
• 150 ml tonic water
• Ice
• A sprig of lavender ( or rosemary as it ’ s December !) to garnish .
Nose : Playful floral notes combining delicate perfumed lavender and meadow flowers .
Body : Juniper warmed with earthy herbal tones of wild marjoram , poppy seed and bay . There is a delightful balance of exotic citrus and mint .
Finish : Notes of delicate spice , coriander and cardamom . A smooth , long finish leaving pleasant soft lavender and evergreen forests .
Maidstone Distillery
Maidstone Distillery is one of Kent ’ s most established distilleries . You are certain to find their spirits behind any good bar in Kent , as well as plenty in London and outside the county . As well as collaborating with producers such as Castle Farm , they have a fabulous array of their own carefully crafted gins and spirits . Many of these can be perused and purchased at Faversham ’ s Macknade , at other selected retailers , or online at themaidstonedistillery . com . For those wanting to go an extra step further and gift a memorable experience this Christmas then insideKENT recommends one of their distillery tours and tastings . Choose from a Cocktail Masterclass with Canapés , a Guided Gin Making Experience , or a Distillery Tour and Tasting .
All of these take place at the awe-inspiring , restored distillery itself in the heart of Kent ’ s county town of Maidstone . The story behind the distillery itself is a romantic one which starts with a Maidstone pioneer named George Bishop . A keen businessman and distinguished distiller , Bishop chose to excel his gin knowledge in 1774 , travelling to Holland to acquire the art of distilling the celebrated Schiedam gin . On his return to England , he was determined to set up the industry in his home town and produce a spirit of the highest quality . By 1785 , George Bishop had built a new distillery ; an impressive building which dominated the Maidstone skyline . In the years that followed , Maidstone Gin would become important on both the national and international stages .
By 1803 , it was renowned for producing one of the finest gins of all Europe , referred to as Maidstone Gin or Maidstone geneva . The great popularity of Maidstone Gin was because of its extra strength and quality . At the height of production , the distillery was producing 5,000 gallons each week . The demand for the spirit was so large that in a short space of time it became a principle article of sale in nearly every town and village in the country .
Today , you can honour the legacy of Kent ’ s George Bishop by purchasing Maidstone Distillery ’ s George Bishop London Dry Gin . A great staple tipple for the Christmas drinks trolley , Maidstone Distillery suggests this recipe for a playful expression of a classic Tom Collins , which promises to be exhilaratingly refreshing .
MAIDSTONE DISTILLERY ’ S TOM COLLINS To create this serve , you ’ ll need :
• A highball glass
• Ice cubes
• Cocktail shaker and strainer
• George Bishop London Dry Gin
• Sugar syrup
• Lemon juice
• Dried or fresh lemon
1 . Fill a highball glass with good quality ice .
2 . Pour 50 ml George Bishop London Dry Gin , 25 ml lemon juice and 15 ml sugar syrup into a cocktail shaker along with a small handful of ice cubes .
3 . Shake vigorously and strain the mixture into the ice filled glass .
4 . Top up with FeverTree Premium Soda Water and gently stir .
5 . Garnish with a slice of dried or fresh lemon .
Appearing first in print in Jerry Thomas ’ s Bartender ’ s Guide ( 1876 ), though most likely much older and so named because the original recipe would have called for Old Tom Gin , a sweeter style than London Dry Gin . Timeless , refreshing and elegant .
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