Ramsbury Gin’s recent triumph at the 2025 London Spirits Competition — claiming both Gin of the Year and Spirit of the Year UK — is more than a nod from the trade. It’s a moment of validation for a producer that has built its reputation on control, clarity of process, and an unwavering connection to the land.

Made entirely on a single Wiltshire estate, Ramsbury Gin is distilled from wheat grown just meters from the still house, using a grain-to-glass approach that sets it apart in a crowded market. With new retail listings, expanding exports, and a broader product range in the works, the win arrives at a key inflection point. General Manager Nik Fordham shares how the distillery is making the most of the recognition — and where it’s headed next.

Image: Nik Fordham, Master Distiller & General Manager; Source: Ramsbury Distillery.

Congratulations on Ramsbury Gin taking home both “Gin of the Year” and “Spirit of the Year UK” at the 2025 London Spirits Competition. Let’s start with the win — how do you plan to make the most of this recognition, both in the UK and abroad?

We’re honoured to receive the recognition of two incredible awards -  Gin of the Year and Spirit of the Year UK. It’s a true testament to the passion, craftsmanship, and dedication of our entire team. These accolades not only affirm the quality of our spirits but also provide a powerful platform to elevate our brand both at home and internationally. We'll be proudly sharing this success across our trade and consumer channels, using it to build momentum, strengthen relationships, and open new doors for growth.

Image: Ramsbury Gin taking home both “Gin of the Year” and “Spirit of the Year UK” at the 2025 London Spirits Competition.

Ramsbury Gin is already on shelves in Sainsbury’s and Waitrose — are there plans to expand that footprint further, either into more UK retailers or new international markets?

We are continually focused on developing and strengthening our sales channels, and we're proud to share our latest success: securing a listing with the LCBO in Canada. This marks an exciting step forward in our international growth. As always, we remain open to exploring new opportunities and partnerships that align with our vision and values.

Who do you see as your core audience, and how are you reaching them? Has that changed as the brand has grown?

Initially, we focused on reaching premium on-trade venues—bars, restaurants, and hotels that shared our appreciation for craft and storytelling. These partners helped establish our reputation, allowing consumers to experience our spirits and beers in curated, high-quality settings.

As the brand has grown, our audience has broadened to include a new generation of curious, conscious consumers who are seeking brands with integrity—people who care about where their drink comes from and how it’s made. They’re not just looking for a product; they’re looking for a connection to something real.

To reach them, we’ve expanded our digital presence, invested in experiential events, and opened up direct channels like our café and taproom. These spaces allow people to step into the Ramsbury world—right where it all begins: the land, the process, the people.

When working with importers and distributors overseas, what kind of support do you offer to help them get Ramsbury Gin into the right places — and keep it moving?

We offer more than just a bottle—we offer a story, a provenance, and a premium product that needs the right positioning. That’s why we provide full brand support, including training, tasting kits, and in-depth education on our field-to-bottle process. The more our partners understand the craft behind Ramsbury Gin, the more effectively they can communicate it to their markets.

We also collaborate on tailored marketing plans—whether that’s supporting launch events, providing digital and social media assets, or co-developing point-of-sale materials to elevate visibility in bars, retail, and travel retail.

Most importantly, we stay connected. We work closely with our partners to understand what’s working, where the opportunities are, and how we can evolve together to keep Ramsbury Gin moving and growing in the right places.

Image: Ramsbury management staff.

What sort of marketing do you find resonates most? Are there any campaigns, activations, or events you’re especially proud of?

We love designing activations that bring an element of fun while inviting consumers to discover the story behind our grain-to-glass process. It's a great way to connect people with the craft, care, and character that go into every drop.

Ramsbury has carved out a strong identity in a very crowded category. What do you think makes your gin stand out — and what kind of feedback do you hear most often from bartenders, retailers, or drinkers that really speaks to its appeal?

We're farmers first, and that makes all the difference. Your gin and tonic has been a year in the making—beginning with the finest wheat grown right here on the Wiltshire Downs.

From planting and harvesting to distillation and bottling, our team oversees every step. That’s the thing: we control the whole process. It’s this field-to-bottle approach that defines the art of making a truly great gin.

The result? A spirit consistently praised by both trade professionals and at-home gin lovers for its balance, smoothness, and exceptional quality.

Image: Ramsbury distillery staff with Nik Fordham.

Sustainability is clearly a big part of the Ramsbury story. Can you talk about what that looks like in practice — from grain to glass?

At Ramsbury, nothing goes to waste. Every part of our process is designed to work in harmony with the land. We grow our own wheat right here on the estate, reducing food miles and giving us complete control over quality from field to bottle. Once harvested, the wheat is used to produce our spirits in a true grain-to-glass process that reflects our commitment to provenance and sustainability.

Our water is carefully recycled through a natural reed bed filtration system before flowing into our lake, where it supports a thriving habitat for local wildlife. Wood from the estate that isn’t suitable for other uses is chipped and used to fuel our biomass boiler, powering the distillation process.

In addition, over 250 solar panels installed on-site generate clean, renewable energy for the distillery, helping to further reduce our environmental impact. Together, these systems form a circular, low-impact approach to production — one that reflects our respect for the land and dedication to sustainable craftsmanship.

Image: Aerial View of the Distillery, Ramsbury Estate, Wiltshire, United Kingdom.

Finally, what’s next for the distillery? Are there any new projects or directions on the horizon?

We’re continually investing in our new product development plans, many of which have been years in the making. We're thrilled to announce that our much-anticipated whiskey will be ready for release as soon as it’s perfect.  In the meantime, we're also focusing on expanding our gin and vodka offerings, with a characterful new range crafted by our distillery team and me as the master distiller. Each expression will showcase ingredients sourced directly from our estate, staying true to our grain-to-glass philosophy and commitment to quality.

Conclusion

Ramsbury’s success at this year’s London Spirits Competition feels well-timed — but far from accidental. Built on traceable ingredients, regenerative practices, and hands-on distilling, the brand is carving a distinct space in both the premium UK market and abroad. Its newest international win in Canada and a forthcoming whisky release show the team is ready to scale, but without stepping away from what’s made it resonate in the first place: control, care, and a deep respect for where great spirits begin.

In conversation with Malvika Patel, Editor and VP, Beverage Trade Network

Also Read:
Spirits of Virtue’s Island Blend Named Non-Alcoholic Spirit of the Year at London 2025
Havana Club International Wins ‘Distillery of the Year’ at the 2025 London Spirits Competition
Gin Trends for Bartenders in 2024-25: Insights from the 2024 London Spirits Competition