A Taste of the Cotswolds ∙ The Spirit of Ilmington

Nestled in the heart of the North Cotswolds, the picturesque village of Ilmington has long been known for its ancient apple trees and traditional orchards. Once a community of farms where cider was part of everyday life, Ilmington still carries the legacy of its apple-growing heritage—celebrated today through The Spirit of Ilmington, an award-winning range of artisan spirits created by Bill Buckley and Rupert Wyles.

What began in 2014 as a way to make use of the village’s unused apples has grown into a craft distillery with a loyal following. Each autumn, locals bring their surplus apples to be pressed in exchange for cider, reviving a centuries-old Cotswold tradition. The freshly pressed juice is slowly fermented before being distilled in a traditional copper alembic pot still, producing a smooth, mellow spirit that perfectly captures the essence of the Cotswolds.

The distillery’s signature creation, Spirit of Ilmington Apple Brandy, is praised by Fortnum & Mason as “a soft mellow brandy with a surprisingly fresh cider nose—warming and refreshing on the palate with a lingering aftertaste of apple.” The same delicate apple spirit lends a unique twist to their Dry Gin and Spiced Rum, adding a gentle hint of orchard fruit to the finish.

Sourcing damsons and raspberries from the nearby Vale of Evesham, Bill and Rupert also craft rich, flavourful liqueurs—each one a true Taste of the Cotswolds. Their story, from village orchards to handcrafted spirits, is beautifully captured in a short film available on their website—a tribute to Ilmington’s heritage, its people, and the timeless beauty of its apples.