New Cornish distillery distills essence of terroir in base spirit

Padstow Distilling, a young distillery business created and run by wine merchant David McWilliam, is making a series of small batch, award-winning, Cornish spirits using local barley in the heart of Cornwall’s culinary capital.

Since its launch in 2018, Padstow Distilling has grown into a must-visit destination for gin and vodka lovers exploring Padstow year-round.

Padstow Gin – considered a gem in Padstow Distilling’s portfolio –  is a testament to the dedication of David McWilliam and his team – and is distilled by hand.

The distillery makes its own base spirit (GNS) using local Cornish barley grown locally at Tregirls Farm in Padstow, and all the gins and vodkas are created from this coastal barley grown on the Camel Estuary above the beach at St George’s Well.

The botanical recipe blends juniper, citrus, and pepper with local Alexanders, an ancient coastal plant foraged from the cliffs above the same beach on the western side of the estuary.

For those seeking an immersive experience, Padstow Distilling welcomes visitors to its shop and bar at 17 Duke Street in the heart of Padstow.

David McWilliam, who started out as a wine-waiter, and his team run guided walks along the estuary to take in the sights, sounds and scents of this special place.

Padstow Distilling has quickly garnered global recognition, with the original Padstow Gin ‘St. George’s Well’ and Padstow Vodka earning a Silver Medal each, and Padstow Gin Navy ‘Stepper Point’ winning a Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2022. Padstow Rose Gin ‘Hawker’s Cove’ also secured a Gold Medal at the same prestigious competition.

Prices per 70cl bottle start at £40 for Padstow Vodka and £48 for the Padstow Gin range, while there are 50cl Limited Edition runs of Spiced Cranberry and Orange Gin and Sloe Gin available from £38.

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