Sandhills Gin

Tom and Jeanette Bird, with their partner Brian Howard, have quickly made a mark with Sandhills Gin. In the first 10 months, their gin saw great success. It was Fortnum and Mason's ‘Spirit of the Month’ in June and won a Bronze at the IWSC (International Wine & Spirit Competition).

The gin is made in Surrey Hills, using local ingredients. They use gorse flower, honey, and water from the Surrey Hills. They also use Douglas Fir from their garden.

Sandhills does more than make gin. They help the local community in Witley. They give part of their profits to two charities. CountryMice helps terminally ill patients. Clockhouse is a Day Centre for people over 50. It helps with loneliness by providing meals and activities.

Sandhills Gin gets its name from a small place in the Surrey Hills. The gin has juniper and coriander. It also has nine botanicals like honey, gorse flower, and Tasmanian pepperberry. The makers wanted a gin they would enjoy. It's best served over ice with an orange twist.

The gin itself is a wonderfully crisp, fragrant spirit. On the nose, you can expect pine, plenty of earthy juniper, and light blossom and gorse. On the palate, the spicy pine notes and blossom really open up. This gives way to a herbal, spicy, honeyed finish. Excellent stuff.