Just 500 bottles of the single batch distillation of ‘Riverside Gin’ have been produced and include plants hand foraged from nature reserves along the River Derwent and found growing near the Distillery. Plants including water mint, red clover, meadowsweet, wood sorrel and seeds from the invasive Himalayan balsam have been used along with more traditional gin botanicals including juniper, liquorice and fresh lime zest.   

The Trust Is working with landowners along the river to raise awareness of invasive species and the White Peak Distillery were interested in working with Derbyshire Wildlife Trust after being inspired at one of the Trust’s outdoor events. Over the last few months, they’ve been experimenting with the hand foraged plants and herbs until the perfect flavour was created.

Max Vaughan, founder of White Peak Distillery said “We’ve loved working on this gin project with Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, it’s been great to learn more about our local habitat and appreciate the flavours that nature has to offer in our back yard. Riverside Gin is unique both in terms of how it was created and how it tastes”.

Dr Scott McKenzie, Living Rivers Officer at Derbyshire Wildlife Trust said “We’ve had great fun working with White Peak Distillery, foraging on our reserves along the River Derwent to find just the right herbs, which grow abundantly and often need keeping in check. This is a wonderful gin with a very special local flavour which you can enjoy knowing it’s been produced locally, hand in hand with nature. Sales will continue to help us to look after Derbyshire’s wild places – a real Christmas spirit!”

500 bottles of single batch gin have been created, £5 from each bottle will be donated to the Trust. They are available at the Distillery or can be ordered online.