Richard and Rachel’s vapour infused tipple using wildflowers is helping re-GIN-erate traditional meadows across Bowland.
A second serving of a seasonal gin distilled with wild herbs, grasses and blooms from some of the richest wildflower meadows in England has just been released at a virtual celebration of traditional hay meadows.
And last year’s Hay Time gin was a huge success, selling out within just six weeks of its release.
Goosnargh Gin distillers Richard and Rachel Trenchard have been working with farmer Peter Blackwell and Forest of Bowland National Landscape Farming and wildlife officer Sarah Robinson to source and harvest a blend of wild herbs, grasses and flowers to impart distinct verdant tones to the finished gin. Hay Time is just one of Goosnargh Gin’s creations which are distilled in small batches, using traditional methods in copper alembic stills near Bleasdale, in the shadow of Beacon Fell.
The company uses local, organic and sustainably grown botanicals. “We’re keeping the exact blend of Hay Time a secret, but we have used flowers, grasses and leaves from species like meadow vetchling, sweet vernal grass, red clover and yellow rattle to distil the gin, giving it the unique essence of Bowland,” explained Rachel. “A sip of this carefully distilled gin – served with tonic and a garnish of fresh green apple – will transport you straight to these exceptionally special and ecologically significant Bowland meadows on a sunny summer’s day – alive with birdsong and the gentle background hum of bees.”
