News

Jamie Baxter creates Burleighs London Dry Gin

A craft distillery installed on a rural Leicestershire farm, 45 West Distillers, has this month started production of its first gin brand – Burleighs London Dry Gin.

The new gin, presented in a glass bottle that is spray-coated black and screen printed in matt ink, is distilled using traditional artisan methods by 45 West director and master distiller Jamie Baxter. Baxter created Chase Vodka and the City of London Distillery before joining forces with Phil Burley, Graham Veitch and Tim Prime, to put Leicestershire on the drinks industry map with a distillery producing super premium spirits.

The 45 West Distillery is adjacent to a natural woodland reserve, Burleigh Wood. While walking through the wood one day, Jamie came across silver birch, dandelion, burdock, elderberry and iris. Enthused by his find, these botanicals went on to inspire the first recipe and the name of the gin.

Baxter says: “Artisan distilleries are playing a major part in the resurgence of interest in gin. I've been lucky enough to be involved with many of them, and count most of the others as friends. The three variations of Burleighs Gin that we are releasing can be used in different ways to make some lovely drinks, from a simple, refreshing, summery G&T to sophisticated cocktails. I'm really very excited about the flavours that come from the botanicals that we found growing locally.

Sister company, Exigo Brewing & Distilling which manages concept to completion solutions for the installation of breweries and distilleries, installed the distillery and will use the site as a showcase for others looking to do the same.

Burleighs London Dry Gin is available in Signature, Export Strength and Distiller’s Cut. Burleighs Premiere event will be held at Kibworth Cricket Club on Saturday July 5th, when Leicestershire are invited to attend and try the new gin.