Maidstone Distillery

The team at Maidstone are  reinstating the tradition of Maidstone pioneer and master distiller, George Bishop, who created quality and world-renowned spirits from their county town back in 1785. they are reclaiming their forgotten heritage to produce spirits of depth, meaning and character that they can all be proud of. He was a champion of the people and it’s time for his legacy to be tasted again.

Located in the historic town of Kent, Maidstone Distillery has a rich distilling heritage spanning 235 years. At the height of its production it was creating some 5,000 gallons of gin per week and distributing both up and down the country as well as overseas. During the Napoleonic wars even Napoleon himself wanted to get his hands on “Maidstone Gin” as depicted in the James Gillray drawing of 1803 displayed on their distillery walls.

Today theydistill five distinct spirits, three gins, a low alcohol gin and a toffee liqueur. their spirits and distillery are award winning most notably including a Gold medal from the International Wine & Spirits Competition, Gold medal from the London Spirits Competition, Great Taste Awards and awards for sustainability from the Gin Guide.

George Bishop London Dry Gin – their signature spirit in homage to their founding father; Complex, Smooth and Flavoursome.
Ranscombe Wild Small Batch Gin – Contemporary style showcasing locally foraged botanicals and supporting conservation through their charity partnership with “Plantlife”.
Kipsi Rosé Gin – From the Garden of England; cask aged and blended with Kentish soft fruits.
George Bishop London Dry Gin Essence – A botanically enhanced expression of their signature spirit; low on alcohol, full on flavour.
Sharp’s Toffee Liqueur – From renowned toffee giant and largest sweet factory in the world comes this decadent and indulgent liqueur.

Each of their spirits is created in-house from scratch on their 450 litre traditional copper still. theyuse artisan methods including single shot distillation, cask aging, foraged local botanicals / ingredients and a unique process of conditioning and polishing their spirits, bottling and hand labelling all on their distillery site.

theysell to the public through their website and on-site shop and well as distribute to the trade through selected wholesalers. Some of their valued customers include Marriott Delta Hotels, Mercure Hotels, The National Trust, Brunning and Price, Leeds Castle and Elite Pubs.

At their distillery theyoperate a small bar showcasing their spirits, as well as local beers and wines. theyalso run tours and tastings, cocktail masterclasses and a popular gin making class. their experiences are rated 5 stars on Trip advisor and theyare Visit England Accredited.

their aspirations are to grow their trade sales and explore export opportunities.