Wicked Wolf Gin

Established in 2015, Wicked Wolf Gin – the first distillery on Exmoor – specialises in producing juniper-led, dry gins. What makes this couple’s gin so unique? “The production process, plus the mix of botanicals,” Julie says. “Each aromatic is prepared by hand, infused and distilled separately, resulting in individual distillates, which are then blended. This approach allows us complete control over the strength of each flavour and enables consistency across every batch. The gin is filtered at each stage of the process, producing smooth, full-bodied spirits,” she explains.

Pot-distilled in a copper alembic still, Wicked Wolf Exmoor Gin is made in 100-litre batches. “This is our original gin, taking two years to develop. Luckily, our four other gins took less time. We aim to make them flavoursome, so when tonic is added, the aromatics stand out.”

Introducing the five Wicked Wolf gins:

Wicked Wolf Gin (42%): The original gin uses the combination of 11 exotic botanicals to produce complex layers of citrus and pepper notes, finely balanced with juniper and coriander. Hibiscus, lemongrass, cardamom and kaffir lime leaves are blended, to create a full-flavoured, smooth gin. It was awarded Taste of the West Gold 2019.

Full Moon Gin (42%): Using traditional juniper, coriander and citruses, but with the addition of mango and cracked black pepper, this gin has a slightly more robust finish. It was awarded Taste of the West Gold 2019.

Exmoor Gold Gin (42%): This was created using Exmoor Gold Ale and double distilled with the gin built around it. It’s brought to life with the addition of juniper, lemon verbena, elderflower, coriander, meadowsweet and a citrus mix.

Silver Bullet Gin (57%): A navy-strength gin, developed with the original 11 botanicals but rebalanced to work at 57% abv. There are only 300 bottles made per year, as it’s a slow process to create this flavoursome gin. It’s beautifully smooth but not for the faint-hearted.

Lorna Doone 1869 Gin (42%): Wicked Wolf’s latest gin has been produced to celebrate 150 years since the launch of the classic novel Lorna Doone. Pat and Julie’s home and distillery are in the valley in which the book is set. There’s a local feel to the botanicals with the use of meadowsweet, whortleberries (bilberries) and heather. It contains vanilla, has bags of flavour and a soft finish.

In terms of staying ahead in the competitive gin market, Julie says: “We were lucky enough to hit the gin craze at the beginning, and are extremely lucky to have a loyal customer base. The quality and consistency of our product will hold us in good stead.”

Wicked Wolf gins are widely available across the South West and online. Visit the website for a list of outlets.