Discover Devon and Explore Fossil Coast's Handpicked Craft Spirits Guide to the County's Finest Gins
- Wayne Munday
- 2 hours ago
- 9 min read
Sip back and discover Devon and explore Fossil Coast's handpicked craft spirits guide to Devon's finest gins. Gin, a botanically flavoured spirit produced globally, begins as a neutral alcohol base onto which a diverse array of botanicals of any edible plants, herbs, spices or flowers are steeped or infused. Among these, juniper is essential, delivering the signature pine like flavour that defines gin. The sheer variety of gins available can make selection challenging but understanding each distilleries production styles can help to provide an insight into a gin’s flavour profile. London Dry Gin, despite its name, can be made anywhere, provided it adheres to strict production standards. It must be distilled from a highly neutral spirit with only natural botanicals added prior to distillation. Crucially, juniper is meant to be the forward flavour though the degree of dominance is somewhat subjective. Post-distillation, no additives apart from water to adjust strength or additional neutral spirit ensuring the final product is unsweetened and uncoloured. This process highlights the varying degrees of citrus, spice, or earthiness of each expression depending on the chosen botanical blend. Understanding these defining characteristics can guide consumers toward gins that match their flavour preferences.
Nestled in the heart of South West England is Devon a county of striking contrasts and timeless charm offering a perfect blend of coast, countryside and history. Bordered by Cornwall to the west and Somerset and Dorset to the east, Devon is celebrated for its dramatic coastlines, rolling moorlands, picturesque villages and locally produced food and drink. Whether you're seeking outdoor adventure or seaside relaxation Devon is the quintessential English escape.
Devon boasts two stunning coastlines with the rugged North Devon Coast and the gentler South Devon Shoreline both designated by UNESCO as well as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Visitors can surf the waves at Croyde Bay or Saunton Sands or enjoy the family-friendly beaches and calm waters of Dawlish, Salcombe and Torbay often referred to as the "English Riviera." The South West Coast Path hugs the county’s coastline whilst inland Dartmoor offers a vast wild open landscapes with granite tors perfect for hiking and stargazing.
Devon’s towns and villages are equally captivating. Exeter, the county’s historic capital, boasts a majestic cathedral, Roman walls, and a vibrant food scene. Totnes and Dartmouth charm visitors with riverside settings, independent shops, and medieval architecture, while seaside towns like Ilfracombe, Sidmouth and Brixham offer traditional British coastal appeal. No visit to Devon is complete without sampling the locally produced award-winning gins.
Gin Producers and Distilleries in Devon
This North Devon-based distillery is deeply rooted in a passion for gin, the local coastline and crafting complex botanical flavours using traditional methods and premium locally sourced ingredients. Each small-batch gin is infused using a traditional botanical basket allowing delicate flavours from Atlantic coastal botanicals such as Laver and Samphire to be slowly and carefully extracted. The result is a handcrafted spirit, softened with pure Tarka Springs water from nearby Langtree known for its clean, crisp taste and refined aroma.
Black Dog Gin and Beast Gin by Dartmoor Distillery is the result of a collaboration between a Dartmoor farmer, two Devon pub owners, and master brewer John Lawton, who brings over 30 years of experience in the drinks industry. After successfully founding Teignworthy Brewery in 1994 with his wife Rachel, John pursued his passion for distilling, honing his skills in the Western Isles of Scotland. He later returned to Devon to establish Dartmoor Distillery, using local spring water and botanicals foraged from Dartmoor itself to create a finely crafted gin. Their flagship product, Black Dog Gin has become a local favourite and was awarded the 2017/2018 Food & Drink Devon Gold Award, reflecting both its quality and popularity with residents, pubs, shops, and visitors.
After a distinguished 37-year career in the Royal Marines serving across the globe this founder’s passion for whisky led to the creation of Commando Spirit. Now, the brand is broadening its range beyond whisky to meet growing demand. Chin Strapped Gin from Commando Spirit is a handcrafted, small-batch gin distilled near Dartmoor, where modern-day Commandos undergo rigorous training to earn their green berets. Named after military slang for the physical exhaustion experienced during Commando training, the gin pays tribute to the endurance, unity and heritage of the armed forces. The spirit is crafted using a mix of traditional and unconventional botanicals, including wild-foraged Dartmoor plants like gorse flowers and Bastard Balm alongside pink peppercorn, cardamom, lime and lemon verbena. These ingredients are blended with pure spring water from Riddestone Dew near Winkleigh, Devon, resulting in a complex, citrus-spiced flavour profile. Chin Strapped Gin embodies the spirit of camaraderie and resilience, honouring Commando traditions while promoting well-being and shared experience. Commando Spirit continues to be supported by the wider military community, and in tribute to that legacy, a portion of proceeds will be donated to Commando charities.
Deck Chair Gin by Devon Coast Distillery was founded by business partners Matt and Andy at the New Quay Inn in Brixham on the English Riviera. After purchasing and renovating the Grade II-listed harbourside pub in 2013 they opened in 2014 and soon envisioned expanding creatively into distilling. Inspired by their coastal surroundings and a love of real ale and gin they established Devon Coast Distillery, aiming to craft a citrus-forward gin reflective of the seaside atmosphere and the nostalgic charm of 1920s holiday resorts. Deck Chair Gin quickly earned recognition with a Silver medal at the International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC) and has grown from a pub-based idea into a distinguished multi-award-winning Devon distillery.
Exeter Gin | Website | Shop | Experience | Amazon
Exeter Gin is a family-run distillery based in Teignmouth, near Exeter, that produces small-batch copper-distilled gins rooted in local heritage. The brand draws inspiration from Exeter’s rich Roman and Viking past, incorporating botanicals historically associated with the Roman era—such as tarragon, basil, cardamom, and cinnamon—alongside 11 additional botanicals to create a distinct and complex flavour profile. Their standout product, Ivaar The Boneless, a navy-strength gin dubbed “viking strength” is particularly popular with fans of bold spirits and Viking history. Exeter Gin gained national recognition when it won Best Classic Gin at the 2020 Great British Food Awards.
Gotland Gin | Website | Shop | Experience | Amazon
After full careers in the British Army, Dawn and Mark settled in West Devon, where they established a smallholding inspired by their love for animals. Among their favourites were Gotland sheep, a Swedish breed that became central to their rural lifestyle and the inspiration behind their handcrafted gin. Their evenings spent enjoying gin and tonic while overlooking their flock led to the creation of Gotland Gin, a premium spirit infused with botanicals and Scandinavian fruits like lingonberries to reflect the sheep’s Nordic origins. The result is a smooth and refreshing gin that embodies their connection to the land and their animals. Visitors are welcomed to Gotland Gin HQ, where they can sample the gin, meet the sheep, and relax at the on-site bar, which offers countryside views, locally sourced drinks, and light refreshments including cream "G & Teas".
Lyme Bay Gin | Website | Shop | Experience | Amazon
Lyme Bay’s range of Devon gins reflects its hallmark of excellence and mastery in crafting nuanced flavour profiles. Emphasising subtlety over boldness, these gins are carefully balanced using the finest botanicals to create a layered citrus character where every note is allowed to shine. The result is a sophisticated, refreshing spirit featuring classic juniper, floral, and citrus elements enhanced by verbena and the zesty aromas of orange peel, lemon, and lime. Ideal served with tonic and a slice of lemon or orange, this invigorating gin also lends itself beautifully to a smooth, refined dry martini.
Plymouth Gin | Website | Experience | Amazon
The Plymouth Distillery was established in 1793 and is England’s oldest working gin distillery and is housed in a historic building dating back to the early 1400s. Once a monastery for the Black Friars, the site has a rich heritage, having also served as a debtor’s prison, a Non-Conformist meeting place, and a refuge for Huguenot exiles. Notably, the Pilgrim Fathers spent their final night in England here before departing on the Mayflower in 1620. The distillery's iconic Plymouth Gin is still made using the original recipe, and its label features the Mayflower ship in tribute to its historic connection. Originally operated by Fox & Williamson, it became Coates & Co in 1793, maintaining that name until 2004. Today, the distillery welcomes thousands of visitors annually with a range of immersive tours, including gin tasting and the chance to craft a personalised bottle. An at-home experience is also available for remote guests.
Quayside Coastal Gin | Website | Shop | Experience
Quayside Distillery, located on Exeter Quay, is a modern bar, eatery, and high-tech vacuum distillery offering a unique gin experience in a stylish canal side setting. Open five days a week, it features a Mediterranean-inspired menu with tapas, seafood, meats, salads, and even caviar. The on-site Gin School uses advanced rotary evaporators instead of traditional copper stills, allowing for low-temperature distillation and the extraction of refined flavours from unusual botanicals like lemon verbena. Guests can craft their own bespoke gin, with recipes stored for future refills. Founded by George, Joe (of Spoken in Exmouth), and head distiller Dan, the distillery aims to be an accessible, everyday venue. Their signature London Dry Gin is crafted from grains, juniper, and Devon-foraged botanicals using vacuum distillation. The result is a crystal-clear gin with aromas of sea breeze, floral hawthorn, and earthy orris root, bursting with flavours of citrus, lemon verbena, and coastal notes like oyster leaf and rock-samphire.
Salcombe Gin | Website | Shop | Experience | Amazon
Salcombe Distilling Company was founded by lifelong friends and sailing enthusiasts who met while teaching sailing in Salcombe, Devon. Inspired by shared memories of gin and tonics on the yacht club terrace and a love for spirits, they shifted from an initial idea of producing whisky to crafting gin launching their flagship product, Salcombe Gin ‘Start Point’, in 2016. Their gins are deeply rooted in Salcombe’s maritime heritage, particularly the town’s historic Fruit Schooners which imported citrus fruits and spices. These botanicals now influence the flavour profiles of their gins. Sustainability is a core commitment, reflected in their Ocean Positive pledge. They partner with the Marine Conservation Society and the Seatrees Foundation dedicating 1% of bottle sales to ocean restoration, including UK seagrass and US sea kelp projects. Eco-conscious production also includes plastic-free packaging and eliminating single-use plastics.
Sea Arch is a distilled non-alcoholic spirit inspired by the rugged beauty of the South Devon coast, created by founders Sarah and Geoff Yates. Born from their love for the sea and coastal landscape near their home, Sea Arch captures the invigorating, fresh essence of the shoreline in a sophisticated alcohol-free drink. Crafted with care and passion, Sea Arch uses carefully selected botanicals to deliver a bold, crisp, and refreshing flavour profile that offers the complexity of gin without the alcohol. Designed to evoke the experience of standing by the sea, it’s a versatile spirit ideal for drinking over ice, mixing in cocktails, or enjoying as a "Sea & T."
The Dartmouth English Gin | Website | Shop | Experience | Amazon
Dartmouth English Gin by the Dartmouth Distillery is crafted using the finest botanicals from around the world combined with locally grown herbs, flowers, and fruits from Dartmouth and the Calancombe Estate the home to the distillery. The gin's purity and quality are enhanced by crystal-clear spring water sourced on the estate. Deeply rooted in the region’s maritime history, the gin reflects a family legacy tied to Dartmouth’s seafaring heritage. Co-founder Caroline Richardson’s ancestors built and sailed Brixham Trawlers and brig schooners, including the Caribbean-trading Witch of the Waves. Lance’s grandfather captained the HMT Devonshire, which sailed from Dartmouth during the early 20th century. This heritage is captured in a contemporary classic gin featuring bold juniper, floral notes of rosemary, lavender, and citrus, layered with warming spice from grains of paradise, cardamom, and cubeb berries, finishing with a hint of liquorice sweetness.
Thunderflower Gin | Website | Shop | Experience | Amazon
Founded in 2018 by Anicca and Dom in Devon, Thunderflower Distillery draws inspiration from a local legend about protective white "thunder flowers" believed to ward off lightning and witchcraft. The distillery is based in a sustainable facility in Mid-Devon and crafts small-batch spirits using a custom-built 200-litre pot still with every bottle numbered, signed, and infused with care. Thunderflower uses vapour-infusion to delicately extract botanical flavors and adheres to a one-shot distillation process, preserving purity. Their gin is diluted using pure Dartmoor spring water. Sustainability is central to their operation, featuring solar power, a closed-loop cooling system to conserve water, eco-friendly packaging, and refill options. The gin itself is complex and savoury, not floral despite its name. It offers bold herbaceous notes of sage and heather, piney juniper, and a spicy finish with green and black cardamom, pink peppercorn, cassia bark, and hints of citrus, elderflower, and liquorice. It’s best served with a plain tonic and a slice of lemon to highlight its deep, earthy profile.