As we stepped inside the distillery premises of The Warwickshire Gin Company in Leamington Spa expecting a big space with huge stills, tall ceilings, and a warehouse full of bottle and boxes, we had our first surprise of the evening. What we actually stepped into was what felt like the actual embodiment of artisan, in every sense of the word.

Small-batch craft at its purest

When you enter this Warwickshire distillery you’re immediately immersed in small-batch craft at its purest — copper pot stills, hand-measured botanicals, and spirits made with genuine care rather than mass production. Their batches are distilled just 50 litres at a time, allowing complete control over flavour and quality, and the entire process unfolds in the very same room where guests sit for tastings and distillery experiences, making the craft feel close, real and authentic.

Passionate makers creating spirits

Every gin is inspired by local stories, historic characters or moments in Warwickshire’s past, giving each bottle a sense of place and purpose. There’s no conveyor belt, no faceless factory — just passionate makers creating spirits with heart, creativity and precision. It’s the kind of artisan operation where you can taste the difference, see the craft happening around you, and feel the soul behind every pour.

A group experience

The space itself continues the vibe: Chesterfield sofas, comfortable armchairs, low lighting and a relaxed, sociable feel that invites conversation and discovery. It wasn’t just about sampling, it was about being part of a warm community for a couple of hours — and as we got acquainted with our fellow attendees, we chatted, compared notes and enjoyed ourselves as a group.

Informative and fascinating

The tasting journey didn’t disappoint. We sampled six distinct gins plus one rum, each one beautifully presented with choice of tonic waters, ginger ales and garnishes. The selection highlighted the creativity behind the brand’s distilling-philosophy and left us wanting to know more. The learning element was informative and fascinating — from the botanicals to the storytelling behind each label and the regional inspiration.

The six gins from Warwickshire Gin Company each draw from a rich local story, embodying both flavour and heritage, with a complementary rum rounding off the line-up:

Leamington on Parade honors the elephants brought to Royal Leamington Spa by Sam Lockhart from Ceylon, distilled with Ceylon tea, cinnamon and hibiscus to reflect their legacy.

The Kingmaker references Richard Neville, the 16th Earl of Warwick, known as the “Kingmaker”, with botanicals like elderberries, blackberries and a hint of frankincense to evoke the wild and influential character of his era.

Peeping Tom takes inspiration from the legend of Lady Godiva and the eponymous voyeur-figure, distilled using warming spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg and star anise to capture the tale’s intrigue and spice.

Pelota reflects the sporting heritage of the world’s first lawn-tennis club in Leamington Spa and features citrus and orange blossom botanicals to echo Mediterranean-inspired courtside flavour.

The Philosopher’s Daughter draws on Elizabethan botanical experimentation and the gardens of the time, blending rose petals, apple and cherry botanicals for a refined, floral gin.

Emperor, a “Hopped Dry Gin” as it is created in collaboration with another local drinks maker, Purity Brewery, steps beyond the purely historical by featuring hops, bergamot and black tea — a modern twist that stays rooted in craft tradition.

Complementing the gins, the rum series Pugilist Rum pays tribute to Leamington Spa’s boxing legend Randolph Turpin, blending Guyana-sourced base rum with nutmeg, cinnamon, orange peel and a special Warwickshire spice finish — delivering a warming, locally inspired spirit.

We’d return in a heartbeat

Together these seven expressions showcase an artisan distillery that marries local storytelling with craftsmanship, flavour and creativity. Our evening at The Warwickshire Gin Company was a fantastic experience: artisan production, inviting ambience, delicious spirits and genuine warmth from host and fellow guests… and we’d return in a heartbeat! The whole experience left us smiling, discussing our favourite serves, and feeling connected to the craft behind every bottle. It’s the kind of place you want to bring friends, to share the stories, the flavours and the atmosphere.

If you love gin or if you appreciate artisan, small-batch production, enjoy a touch of relaxed luxury, or just find joy in spending time with great people in a space that feels instantly welcoming, this is your vibe too.

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