The Highclere Show has an array of food and drink stalls for visitors to experience over the May half-term holiday, with lots of sampling of some delicious locally sourced produce to be had!
The Highclere Show takes place over 28th & 29th May 2022, in the beautiful grounds of Highclere Castle, and this year we’re thrilled that Highclere Castle themselves will also be bringing along their super premium Highclere Castle Gin for visitors to try too.
Inspired by botanicals from the Castle’s herb gardens, which were originally planted in the ninth century by the Bishops of Winchester, the Gin really is a celebration of Highclere’s gorgeous historic estate.
We are also very excited to announce that there will be two Gin Experiences in the Cookery Demo Theatre each day of the Highclere Show, so make sure you pop along to do a bit of sampling whilst you shop the stalls!
Here’s a little bit of history about Highclere Castle’s very own gin…
The Earls of Carnarvon have lived at Highclere Castle since 1679, when gin first came to England’s shores. With a delicate balance of juniper, lime flower, orange peel and a touch of lavender, it was designed to celebrate Highclere’s historic estate. Integrating Highclere’s acclaimed estate grown oats into the blend, adds a rich and flavourful palate experience that boasts a long and memorable finish.
Distilled above an ancient underground water source, the Highclere Castle Gin is produced in England’s oldest gin distillery in one of the oldest working copper gin stills dating back to the 1800’s.
The custom glass bottle, designed and manufactured in England, was inspired by the castle and its architect, Sir Charles Barry. Its shape invokes the symbol of the main tower at Highclere. At the same time, the deep purple glass recognises the family’s heritage whilst capturing the brand’s premium qualities.
The 8th Earl and Countess of Carnarvon run the estate, formed of 5,000 acres with 2,000 acres of arable farming. The family’s archive recalls gin cocktails from the early 1900’s and the “Highclere Style” is a classic gin and tonic which has been enjoyed at the castle for many years, made with gin, tonic, an orange peel finished with a rosemary sprig. Juniper has grown wildly on the estate since the Iron Age. The castle archivist recently discovered a reference by the 1st Earl to planting Juniper on the estate, dating to April, 1811:
“If you plant juniper in the fosse of Beacon Hill be careful not to extend
it over any marks of tents so as to efface any vestige of antiquity I suspect too the clump
should be fenced or the young shoots will be cropped in winter …”
“Highclere Castle has been renowned for its entertaining and house parties with gin cocktails featuring through the years,” said Lady Carnarvon. “We therefore felt with the ever-rising interest in gin, the family’s heritage, and indeed the Carnarvon’s love of the spirit, it was a natural step to make a gin from Highclere provenance,” she added.
The Gin style possesses a versatility that can be enjoyed straight on the rocks, with tonic, in a classic martini cocktail, or in mixed cocktails.
Highclere Castle Gin is available to purchase at this May’s Highclere Show. There’s also some truly mouth-watering culinary delights awaiting visitors too, with some fantastic food sellers from in and around the local area and, of course, the superb Chefs Demo Area too. Here, foodies can watch the experts, sample lots of different drinks, and of course brush up on some expertise from those in the know!
If you’re on the lookout for something different to entertain the family over the May half-term holiday, then why not browse the Highclere Show website and discover everything we’ve got coming. Visitors can also pre-book tickets and save too, simply click here for more information. We can’t wait to welcome you all in!
Spring into action!