Made in Sussex: Spirit of the Downs
13th March 2019
Author EditorPosted on Categories Business
This Made in Sussex is about the Spirit of the Downs, a premium 40% ABV spirit which was launched in Brighton just in time for Christmas. The Spirit is the first release from the outstanding 2018 vintage English wine growing season which surpassed all expectations.
It has been distilled using the red Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes grown on the South Downs. The pomace, or pressed grapes, are by-product from the production of award winning English sparkling wine grapes at Breaky Bottom vineyard near Rodmell, East Sussex.
The Spirit has been crafted using traditional Artisan production techniques using a mixture of local wild and Champagne yeasts to produce a uniquely soft fine quality spirit. The combination of classic English chalk terroir (similar to that of Champagne) and experienced wine making has resulted in a crafted spirit which has the fruity essence of English Sparkling Wine with a long warming finish.
Spirit of the Downs is a collaboration between fine English Winemaker Angus Mackie and Brighton Entrepreneur Michael Yeoman. The Spirit of the Downs was initially launched as a limited edition batch of 100 x 500ml bottle to celebrate the launch of the spirit in time for Christmas.
We interviewed Michael Yeoman about his new creation, to understand how it all started;
So, what is Spirit of the Downs?
“Well firstly, it isn’t a gin or vodka, it sits on its own really between the two of them. In France it is often referred to as an Eau De Vie or “Water of life” which is a delicate spirit that holds the essence of the fruit that it is made from. It’s perfect for those people who want to try something new and refreshing on the spirits side.”
How did the Spirit of the Downs come about?
“The idea of creating Spirit came to us during the wine harvest of Autumn 2017. I have been selling small batch English wine for several years now and help out at Breaky Bottom vineyard with the harvest and bottling. I saw that the grapes were pressed gently to preserve the quality of the juice which meant that there was a lot of juice still remaining in the grapes, that would otherwise be dried as compost.
“After visiting the wine regions of Italy, I realised that the grapes could be refermented and asked Peter Hall the owner if he would mind if I took some of the pomace to make a “Grappa” type spirit. I had a conversation with Angus Mackie one of the head wine makers and we decided to do a trial run last year which was a great success. We did a commercial spirit run for 2018, in it’s first full distillation it came out a lot more fragrant and lighter than we expected which was great.”
What does the Spirit taste like and how would you recommend serving it?
“The Spirit is only distilled with one run unlike other spirits or vodkas that are sometimes distilled several times. Distilling the once has kept the essence of the grapes. When served on it’s own, the sweet fragrance of the grapes comes through on the nose, we then have a slight sweet caramel or toffee note on the palate which has good body and continues with a long finish. The Spirit can be drunk on it’s own over ice, with a Vermouth to make a classic Martini or combine with a good quality tonic such as Folkington’s (also from Sussex) in a similar way to vodka.”
How has the new Spirit been received from retail customers and trade?
“The feedback so far has been excellent with many people liking the opportunity to try an alternative to the many Gin’s that are now on the market. Many of the bottles of the Spirit were bought as presents for Christmas or as collector’s items. Lot’s of people have commented on the fragrant nose and the slight sweet taste of the spirit, also that it really warms you up when drank on its own.
“Hotel Du Vin in Ship Street, Brighton, have a great cocktail bar and loved the spirit. They were our first customer and bought twelve of the 1st Edition bottles to create their own range of local cocktails. Anton, Head Bar Manager at Hotel Du Vin is a great fan and will gladly make you a refreshing cocktail based on your tastes should you wish to try the spirit out and about in Brighton.
“We have had some great comments from drinks industry professional Myles Cunliffe from Mixology Group who trains the next generation of cocktail makers. He loves our new creation and paired it with the new citrus Yuzu tonic from Fentimans.”
What are your future plans for the business?
“We still have a limited amount of the individually numbered and signed 100 x 50cl 1st Edition Spirit of the Downs for £29.99 available for sale. We will have the official launch of Spirit of the Downs in time for the start spring in March. We are selling both retail to individuals and to trade clients. At the same time will also be launching an exclusive high quality Spirit/Grappa for the spirit connoisseurs as well as launching a new Sussex Brandy, so exciting times ahead.”
For further details contact Michael Yeoman via michael@spiritofthedowns.co.uk or call freephone 08000157255.
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