Bromfield, Ludlow SY8 2JR, UK
Ludlow Fine Gin creations of beauty
DISCOVER THE SPIRIT OF LUDLOW
Welcome to Ludlow Distillery the home of Ludlow Gin and Whisky; we’re also the home of Ludlow Fine Wines!
Our shop and visitor centre are open seven days a week at Ludlow Farmshop, just two miles north of Ludlow.
Daily distillery tours take place on weekdays at 3pm, Saturdays at 12noon, 1.30pm and 3pm, and Sundays at 1.30pm and 3pm. Click the icons below for more information; walk-ins for tours are always welcome, but it’s best to book in advance!
OUR STORY
HANDCRAFTED EXCELLENCE
We’re very proud to craft the very best spirits.
It all began with the birth of Ludlow Gin in 2018. From the outset we wanted to create premium hand-crafted gins that you could drink neat as well as in cocktails and the classic G&T; distilled spirits should be creations of beauty, something to savour. We distill gin as it has been crafted for hundreds of years, using only the finest natural botanicals, and definitely no artificial colours or flavours. We use a traditional, copper-pot distillation, all we add is water to bring the gin to bottling strength.
It was only a matter of time before we used our skills as master distillers to bring a premium whisky, vodka and rum to the market as well. All created with the same commitment to handcrafted excellence.
OUR HERITAGE
Ludlow is famous for food: passionate producers, characterful bistros and restaurants, and epic festivals.
“I’ve seen the food scene grow and develop over this time; I spotted a gap and thought I could combine my passion for premium spirits with my passion for Ludlow. It’s something new for the town I love, something that will spread the news that it’s a great place to visit.
Ludlow sits at the historical heart of the Welsh Marches, the borderlands between Wales and England. This region has been my home for the last 20 years; it’s an incredible place, from the rugged landscape of Shropshire to the rolling hills of Herefordshire.”
Shaun Ward – Master Distiller
HOW IT ALL BEGAN…
Creating handcrafted spirits is a fascinating and wonderful job, we simply love it.
Gin alone has seen a huge revival in recent years, and I knew from the outset that I want wanted to create a timeless classic range of gins, something to be savoured and cherished. I’ve always loved a G&T; it’s not a flavour we quickly get into when we’re young, but we soon come to appreciate the astringent, refreshing and cleansing taste of a proper juniper-led gin, there’s no stopping us!
Gin is basically a form of alchemy: a simple copper alembic still as used for thousands of years, botanicals gathered and curated, patience and a little heat, and the magic happen.
I’m a big spirits fan: beautiful creations, distilled with the finest ingredients to bring you something unique to savour and enjoy; there’s always a interesting story to discover. You’ve probably guessed, I’m also a fan of single malt whisky – the stories, the landscapes, the characters that form something magical. Our family of products includes gin, rums, vodka, brandy, whisky, and eau de vie, all made with love for the discerning palate.
LUDLOW GIN
BOTANICALS
We carefully source and select premium quality natural botanicals from across the globe, many of our key botanicals are grown by small producers and co-operatives, only the finest natural ingredients go into our hand-crafted gins
BLENDING
Our gins are made according to the strict London dry method, no artificial colours, flavours or sweeteners, only the finest natural botanicals; the distillate from the stills must be no less than 80% strength to ensure quality
DISTILLING
Our traditionally handmade copper pot stills are where the magic happens, we combine natural botanicals, the finest grain spirit and purified water, then it’s a gentle heat and a lot of patience this process take 36 hours, there’s no rushing
TESTING
Nothing can be rushed when it comes to creating the finest juniper led London dry gins, once our strict processes have been followed, we make sure that the spirit is true to the exacting standards, our distillers are proud of their craft
STORY
I knew from the outset that I wanted to create a timeless classic, something to be savoured and cherished. I’ve always loved a G&T, the astringent and cleansing juniper flavour is simply so refreshing, after a hard day, or at the start of a meal with friends.
Distilling a premium gin is like a form of alchemy, balancing the botanicals. I love my gin from the freezer neat in a martini, but also in an ice laden G&T, so a juniper led gin was my only desire, no glitter, and definitely no ground up unicorns! We’ve created a range of expressions, all London dry, all made exclusively form natural botanicals distilled with the finest grain spirit, we simply won’t cut corners. You can find out more about the story of how I created the gins and the recipes in my blog here.
LUDLOW FRUIT GIN NO.4 BLOOD ORANGE AND POMELO
Refreshing citrus bliss 38%
70cl
£37.99
Classic gin botanicals: juniper, coriander, angelica and orris are skilfully blended in our traditional copper stills to create a smooth and classic premium dry gin. To this we add natural fruit juices, not artificial ingredients, resulting in a smooth and delicious premium fruity gin.
Enjoy as a long refreshingly fruity G&T, or as the perfect addition to your favourite fruity cocktail.
LUDLOW FRUIT GIN NO.3 ELDERFLOWER & QUINCE
Naturally floral and refreshing 38%
70cl
£37.99
Classic gin botanicals: juniper, coriander, angelica and orris are skilfully blended in our traditional copper stills to create a smooth and classic premium dry gin. To this we add natural fruit juices, not artificial ingredients, resulting in a smooth and delicious premium fruity gin.
Enjoy as a long refreshingly fruity G&T, or as the perfect addition to your favourite fruity cocktail.
LUDLOW FRUIT GIN NO.1 STRAWBERRY & RASPBERRY
Jammy summer fruits bottled for you 38%
70cl
£37.99
Classic gin botanicals: juniper, coriander, angelica and orris are skilfully blended in our traditional copper stills to create a smooth and classic premium dry gin. To this we add natural fruit juices, not artificial ingredients, resulting in a smooth and delicious premium fruity gin.
Enjoy as a long refreshingly fruity G&T, or as the perfect addition to your favourite fruity cocktail.
LUDLOW FRUIT GIN NO.2 RHUBARB & APPLE
Sumptuous and Fruity 38%
70cl
£37.99
Classic gin botanicals: juniper, coriander, angelica and orris are skilfully blended in our traditional copper stills to create a smooth and classic premium dry gin. To this we add natural fruit juices, not artificial ingredients, resulting in a smooth and delicious premium fruity gin.
Enjoy as a long refreshingly fruity G&T, or as the perfect addition to your favourite fruity cocktail.
LUDLOW DRY GIN NO.10 TRIPLE HOP GIN
Special Edition 42%
70cl
£41.99
An infusion of aromatic hops enhances the classic juniper character in Ludlow Brewery’s first signature house gin, handcrafted by Ludlow Distillery.
Quintessentially English hops: Goldings and Fuggles, combine with bold American Citra to offer a tantalising botanical twist on a traditional London Dry gin.
Triple Hopped Gin delivers the distillery’s iconic, incredibly smooth mouthfeel, with hints of citrus and woody notes, leading to a perfectly balanced finish.
LUDLOW DRY GIN LIMITED EDITION CORONATION ROSE
Limited Edition 42%
70cl
£41.99
Botanicals and spirit are skilfully blended in our copper stills Joy and Felicity to create a smooth and classic dry gin.
The finest juniper, coriander, angelica root and orris are harmonised with fragrant floral notes of rose and hibiscus petals, and just a touch of classic lemon. A truly premium handcrafted gin, fit for a King and Queen.
Serve with dried hibiscus petals and a few black peppercorns, recommended with a light tonic water.
PHILHARMONIA GIN 70CL
Special edition 42%
70cl
£41.99
Creating a unique hand-crafted gin to support the Philharmonia is both a great privilege and honour. The Philharmonia has played a significant role in our home lives as the Resident Orchestra of the Three Choirs Festival, and in so many ways we feel a strong connection to its work across the UK.
RPO LONDON DRY GIN
Special Edition 42%
70cl
THE MASTER DISTILLER SAYS
The orchestra’s new season, entitled Journeys of Discovery, has prompted us to create a new gin, which is inspired by travels across Europe. Classic London Dry botanicals of juniper, coriander, angelica and orris are combined with fragrant lemon peel and thyme from Spain, and delicately scented dried fig leaves; hand-crafted, copper-distilled and bottled with love by hand.
Story
Creating a unique hand-crafted gin to support the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra is both a great privilege and honour. The RPO is a national treasure, heard live and online every year by more than sixty million people. Having celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2021, the orchestra goes from strength to strength under the musical direction of Vasily Petrenko.
The orchestra’s new season, entitled Journeys of Discovery, has prompted us to create a new gin, which is inspired by travels across Europe. Classic London Dry botanicals of juniper, coriander, angelica and orris are combined with fragrant lemon peel and thyme from Spain, and delicately scented dried fig leaves; hand-crafted, copper-distilled and bottled with love by hand.
Creating a gin is much like the work of conducting an orchestra, allowing certain colours and textures to sing out to create the perfect ensemble. We look forward to a successful partnership with the orchestra and hope audiences enjoy the fruits of our joint labours.
LUDLOW DRY GIN NO.8 EARL GREY
Refined and gentle 42%
70cl
£41.99
The finest juniper, coriander, angelica root and orris are harmonised with bright citrus notes of bergamot orange, with a delicate hint of fragrant bog myrtle from the Scottish Highlands, creating a truly premium gin to celebrate Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022.
LUDLOW DRY GIN NO.6 SEVILLE ORANGE & CASSIA BARK MARMALADE
Seriously fruity 42%
70cl
Creating a unique hand-crafted gin to support the Philharmonia is both a great privilege and honour. The Philharmonia has played a significant role in our home lives as the Resident Orchestra of the Three Choirs Festival, and in so many ways we feel a strong connection to its work across the UK. As a music graduate, I understand first-hand the importance of music and the arts, especially in the difficult times we find ourselves in.
The idea of creating a new gin to support the Orchestra developed during the first lockdown, and we have since worked closely with players and staff to develop a new and exciting recipe.
For centuries, the Philharmonia’s London home was one of the most vibrant docklands in the world, importing fruits and spices from across the globe – this has served as our inspiration: bitter oranges from Seville, and delicate and fragrant cassia bark from the far east. Creating a gin is much like the work of conducting an orchestra, allowing certain colours and textures to sing out to create the perfect ensemble.
We look forward to a successful partnership with the orchestra and hope audiences enjoy the fruits of our labours.
THE MASTER DISTILLER SAYS
This gin was inspired by the Philharmonia Orchestra in London, the city home to one of the most vibrant docklands in the world, importing fruits and spices from across the globe. This has served as our inspiration: bitter oranges from Seville, and delicate and fragrant cassia bark from the far east.
The botanicals are the finest juniper, coriander, angelica root and orris are harmonised with strong notes of Seville orange, balanced with delicate hints of cassia, liquorice, and grains of paradise, creating a truly premium London Dry gin.
BOTANICALS
Juniper
Coriander
Angelica
Orris
Orange
Cassia
Liquorice
Grains of Paradise
LUDLOW DRY GIN NO.5 ELDERFLOWER CHAMOMILE & LEMON VERBENA
Refreshing and herbaceous 42%
70cl
I had great fun creating this: inspired by the chamomile lawns of the historic houses of Ludlow, the heady scent of elderflower boughs and lemon verbena much loved by horticulturalists; a proper juniper-led London Dry with a spring twist, created for the Craft Gin Club
The Master Distiller says
I had great fun creating this: inspired by the chamomile lawns of the historic houses of Ludlow, heady scent of elderflower bought and lemon verbena much loved by horticulturalists; a proper juniper-led London Dry with a spring twist, created for the Craft Gin Club.
The botanicals are the finest juniper, coriander, angelica root and orris, all harmonised with subtle notes of chamomile, elderflower, and lemon verbena to create a truly premium gin
Botanicals
Orris
Elderflower
Chamomile
Lemon Verbena
LUDLOW DRY GIN NO.4 HIBISCUS ORANGE & PINK PEPPERCORN
Pink to make the boys wink 42%
70cl
If you’ve read my blog about how I was inspired to create Ludlow Gin, you’ll already know the story about No.4: Hibiscus, Orange and Pink Peppercorn, our fourth child, affectionately known as ‘the favour for a friend’! An architect colleague helped complete a project I was struggling to fulfil on top of creating the distillery in the summer of 2018; as a thank you I offered Sean a bottle of his own bespoke gin. ‘Choose some botanicals,’ I said flippantly, and the rest is history – our fourth gin was born.
THE MASTER DISTILLER SAYS
The last of my original clan: a favour for a friend, a colleague who helped me when I was starting out. I offered to make him a gin in return; it’s quite a little accident!
The botanicals are the finest juniper, coriander, angelica root, and orris are carefully blended with the colourful and warming notes of hibiscus, orange and pink peppercorn.
BOTANICALS
Juniper
Coriander
Orange
Angelica
Orris
Hibiscus
Pink Peppercorn
LUDLOW DRY GIN NO.7 NAVY STRENGTH
Navy strength 57%
70cl
I was clear from the start that Ludlow gin would be juniper-led, a proper London Dry, traditionally distilled in copper. Citrus was a natural partner for me; I love the freshness of all citruses, so orange and lemon were definite.
Through my early distillation I discovered the wonders of coriander, angelica and orris; with juniper, these are called the ‘big four’ of gin. Coriander is very lemony on the nose; it’s chemically related to juniper and reinforces those juniper notes. The woodiness of angelica is essential for depth, though it’s important not to use too much!
The delicate floral fragrance of Orris is enchanting and lifts the nose of any gin. Our penultimate ingredient, cardamom, is a nod to the classic Plymouth Gin, not too much, just a little, but the refreshing menthol really helps support the pine notes of the juniper. Finally comes the addition of gorse, supplying the intoxicating fresh document smell of the Shropshire hills in spring and late summer.
There it is in a nutshell: our classic Ludlow Dry. We simply love it, and if you have the chance to try our Navy Strength, you’ll see of these ingredients really sing.
THE MASTER DISTILLER SAYS
All our classic London Dry ingredients really sing in our Navy Strength. It really is for the connoisseurs out there – to be enjoyed neat over ice, or perfect as a classic martini, or served long as a gin and tonic, with plenty of ice and a slice of lime.
The botanicals are the finest juniper, coriander, angelica root and orris, all harmonised with subtle notes of lemon, peel, cardamom, and hand-picked gorse flowers.
BOTANICALS
Lemon Peel
Juniper
Orris
Gorse
Coriander
Orange
Angelica
Cardamom
LUDLOW DRY GIN NO.3 SPICED GIN
Aromatic & Warming 42%
70cl
The Palmers’ Guild had membership across the UK; it’s even mentioned in Shakespeare’s plays. Membership meant that your soul was prayed for in perpetuity after you died; if you like it was a sort of spiritual life assurance policy. We know that the members of the guild had expensive tastes; they had their own guild hall, and regular feasts. We also know they imported spices. The was an established pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela in Spain via Bristol, and so the trade in spices from the east was well established.
Creating a spiced gin was a natural choice for me, as it had a place in the history of Ludlow. It was an absolute joy to develop this gin – there were so many wonderful aromas to choose from. Our spiced gin isn’t actually spicy, it’s aromatic, making the best use of gentle heat, but also enticing aromas. Liquorice and elderberry bind those two contrasting elements together.
THE MASTER DISTILLER SAYS
My second favourite: I know you shouldn’t have favourites — it’s a very gentle gin, complex and delicate, a joy to create, a wealth of extraordinary spices.
The botanicas are the finest juniper, coriander, angelica root, orris, lemon and orange, all enriched by delicate and exotic spices: almond, caraway, nutmeg, ginger, cardamom, cubeb, grains of paradise, liquorice, cassia bark, and elderberries for a touch of sweetness.
BOTANICALS
Lemon Peel
Cassia Bark
Juniper
Orris
Cardamom
Coriander
Orange
Angelica
Cassia
Elderberry
Grain of Paradise
Cubeb
Liquorice
Nutmeg
Carraway
LUDLOW DRY GIN NO.1 CLASSIC
Classic ‘London Dry’ Gin 42%
70cl
Our signature gin, classic and timeless; evoking the gentle scent of the Shropshire hillsides. Core botanicals of juniper, coriander, angelica and orris are skilfully blended with subtle notes of lemon and orange peel, cardamom and hand-picked gorse flowers; a truly premium dry gin with exceptional length
£41.99
I was clear from the start that Ludlow gin would be juniper-led, a proper London Dry, traditionally distilled in copper. Citrus was a natural partner for me; I love the freshness of all citruses, so orange and lemon were definite.
Through my early distillation I discovered the wonders of coriander, angelica and orris; with juniper, these are called the ‘big four’ of gin. Coriander is very lemony on the nose; it’s chemically related to juniper and reinforces those juniper notes. The woodiness of angelica is essential for depth, though it’s important not to use too much!
The delicate floral fragrance of Orris is enchanting and lifts the nose of any gin. Our penultimate ingredient, cardamom, is a nod to the classic Plymouth Gin, not too much, just a little, but the refreshing menthol really helps support the pine notes of the juniper. Finally comes the addition of gorse, supplying the intoxicating fresh document smell of the Shropshire hills in spring and late summer.
There it is in a nutshell: our classic Ludlow Dry. We simply love it, and if you have the chance to try our Navy Strength, you’ll see of these ingredients really sing.
THE MASTER DISTILLER SAYS
All my gins are like my children, my first will always be my favourite; designed to be drunk as the perfect delicately fragranced martini, or a sublime G&T, enjoy!
The botanicals are the finest juniper, coriander, angelica root and orris, all harmonised with subtle notes of lemon, peel, cardamom, and hand-picked gorse flowers.
BOTANICALS
Lemon Peel
Juniper
Orris
Gorse
Coriander
Orange
Angelica
Cardamom
LUDLOW DRY GIN NO.2 TRIPLE CITRUS & POMEGRANATE GIN
Heady & Fragrant 42%
70cl
Strong and lingering notes of lemon, orange and cardamom are combined with refreshing pink grapefruit and the sweetness of pomegranate to create a smooth finish that lingers on the palate.
£41.99
I’d always envisaged creating two other gins that would be contrasting to the Ludlow Dry, one with more citrus and one with more aromatic notes. Ludlow, our spiritual home, had been the first home in the England of Catherine of Aragon, the young bride of Prince Arthur, eldest son of Henry VII and heir to the English throne. All went slightly awry when Arthur came down with a sweating sickness at Ludlow Castle and promptly died, leaving a grieving 16-year-old widow, who ultimately married his younger brother, Henry, the rest is history as they say.
I love history, and I love travelling; visiting Catherine of Aragon’s home in Granada was one of my most memorable experiences. She was brought up in the incredible architectural masterpiece of the Alhambra palace, which is dripping with Islamic details, as Granada was then the threshold of the West and East civilisations. The gardens of the Alhambra must have been bursting with citrus fruits, a part of daily life.
Today the streets of Granada are brimming with little spice shops, laden with a kaleidoscope of flavours from the orient. How must Catherine have felt in the damp and grey environs of Ludlow Castle? No fragrance from the orient there, for sure. In case you didn’t know, Catherine’s symbol was a pomegranate, a delicious and capacious fruit, a nod to the fertility of the virgin princess, in whose hopes the Tudor line rested. Pomegranates can be found in the decorations of architecture within Ludlow; in the plaster ceilings of the timber-framed Reader’s House, delicate pomegranates recall that earlier link with Spain.
So, our triple citrus and pomegranate gin was born, inspired by Catherine and her plight at Ludlow Castle, a life with so much potential, ultimately destined for loneliness and solitude, once Henry had dispensed with her. One little secret – I had a bit of an accident with a decimal place and cardamom. Some accidents happen for a purpose, and our distinctive second gin was born from this one, our wild child, great as a refreshing G&T and, for those who dare, an exceptionally bright martini.
DISTILLERY TOURS & GIN SCHOOL
EXPERIENCE THE SPIRIT OF LUDLOW
Come and experience the spirit of Ludlow at our new visitors centre, just 2 miles north of Ludlow on the A49 at Ludlow Farmshop, open 7 days a week.
Discover how we handcraft our premium spirits on one of our distillery tours or create your very own botanical gin in our Gin School, we’ve got something for you.
Daily tours take place on weekdays at 3pm, Saturdays at 12noon, 1.30pm and 3pm, and Sundays at 1.30pm and 3pm; walk-ins are welcome. Group bookings are available, please see information below. Accessible tours can be arranged by appointment.
DAILY DISTILLERY TOURS
Discover how Ludlow Distillery was born, from the humble beginnings of Ludlow Gin, through to the birth of our English single malt whisky. Learn about our production story and sample some of our finest spirits, all made with love.
Daily tours take place on weekdays at 3pm, Saturdays at 12noon, 1.30pm and 3pm, and Sundays at 1.30pm and 3pm; walk-ins are welcome! Accessible tours are available by prior appointment. Online bookings close 10 mins before the tour; walk-ins may still be available in store. We provide a takeaway 5cl mini gin and tonic for those not drinking. We ask all visitors to drink responsibly. Accessible tours can be arranged by appointment.
We strongly advise making transport arrangements in advance. Please see here for useful local taxi numbers.
Group discount: Book eight tickets, and automatically get the eighth free in the check out!
If tours are fully booked, we can arrange group tours for 8 or more at other times slots with 24 hours’ notice, please email hello@ludlowdistillery.co.uk or call 07928 621 608.
