Padstow Distilling, a young distillery business created and run by wine merchant David McWilliam, makes a series of small batch, award-winning, Cornish spirits using local barley in the heart of Cornwall’s culinary capital.
Since its launch in 2018, Padstow Distilling has grown into a must-visit destination for gin and vodka lovers exploring Padstow year-round. The company's HQ and bar at 17 Duke Street in Padstow has become a hub for those seeking a unique and authentic taste of Cornwall.
Padstow Gin, a gem in Padstow Distilling's portfolio, is a testament to the dedication of David McWilliam and his team. Distilled by hand, this exceptional gin is crafted in small batches from locally sourced natural ingredients, foraged along the North Cornwall coastline.
Unusually, the distillery make their own base spirit (GNS) using the finest local Cornish barley grown locally at Tregirls Farm in Padstow, and all their gins and vodkas are created from this coastal barley grown on the Camel Estuary above the beach at St George’s Well. The botanical recipe combines tradition with the beauty of its location, blending juniper, citrus, and pepper with local Alexanders, an ancient coastal plant foraged from the cliffs above the same beach on the western side of the estuary.
For those seeking an immersive experience, Padstow Distilling welcomes visitors to its shop and bar at 17 Duke Street in the heart of Padstow, while from here, David and his team run guided walks along the estuary to take in the sights, sounds and scents of this special place - the inspiration for this range of beautiful spirits. Bottles are also available to buy online, directly from their website. David McWilliam's journey from a wine-waiter at the age of 17 to the founder and head distiller of Padstow Distilling is marked by the relentless pursuit of drinks of quality and provenance.
His deep-rooted love of Cornwall and passion for the discovery of new flavours has led him to create spirits that not only reflect the beauty of the region but also transport those that drink them back to the coastline of North Cornwall and the bustling streets of Padstow. Padstow Distilling has quickly garnered global recognition, with the original Padstow Gin ‘St. George’s Well’ and Padstow Vodka earning a SILVER MEDAL each, and Padstow Gin Navy ‘Stepper Point’ winning a DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2022.
Padstow Rose Gin ‘Hawker’s Cove’ also secured a GOLD MEDAL at the same prestigious competition.
