The Maiden Distillery, Kent's smallest distillery, is located in the historic, county town of Maidstone. It’s nestled in the remaining parts of the Medway Brewery. Apparently, Maidstone has a proud history of brewing dates back to the mid-17th Century. Well, who knew? (Don’t pretend you did).
Maiden employs a very slow distillation using the one-shot method in a small copper still. There is no steeping before distillation commences. Per run, Maiden is able to produce about 90 bottles. The distillery makes use of Kentish water, which has been filtered through the chalky North Downs, to dilute its gin. The Maiden brand is distinguishable because each edition of its gin is smartly presented in a clear bottle, detailed with dark gothic patterns.
The distillery claims that Gaspard, a little aos sí (an Irish term for a supernatural race in Irish mythology and Scottish mythology, comparable to the fairies or elves) watches over Medway Brewery and plays tricks on customers who ignore him, so if you’re planning to visit the distillery you’ve been warned...