Our Distillery
The Spark: From 'Moonshine' to Masterpieces
Harley House Distillery is based in Seaford, East Sussex. We are nestled at the edge of the beautiful South Downs next to the Seven Sisters Cliffs, midway between Brighton and Eastbourne.
Our Distillery is a labour of love, from Adam's early morning revelation that "I think I'll build a still" in the Spring of 2017, it has grown. Initially, Adam hand-made a 'Moonshine' Type still, which was constantly being added to. The next still, which was an 80-litre capacity being purchased in Summer 2018 to the summer of 2019, when we took delivery of a 500-litre still. In May 2020, new parts were commissioned to be made for our still. No doubt this is not where the story of the equipment ends, as we expect there are many more additions to come.
Harley House has numerous licences; our distilling license was granted in July 2017. We are also a Customs & Excise bonded warehouse, as we distil all our products and are capable of distilling anything that can be distilled.
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A Nod to the 1920s
Our brand is heavily inspired by the roaring 1920s, an era of prohibition, hidden speakeasies, and unapologetic glamour. Whether you are sipping our award-winning Pure Sussex Gin or searching for a rich rum inspired by the South Downs in East Sussex, our spirits are designed to capture that decadent, prohibition-era spirit while remaining distinctly local.
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What Makes Artisan Spirit from Sussex Special?
Creating unique, mouth-watering spirits is all about mastering the balance of the base alcohol. During a trip to visit fellow distillers in Barbados, Adam learned firsthand how the specific strain of yeast and the quality of the raw ingredients drastically change the final profile of a spirit.
We brought that knowledge back to East Sussex.
Here is how we ensure unparalleled quality:
The Purest Water: All of our neutral alcohol and final gin production uses water drawn directly from a local aquifer deep within the South Downs. This naturally chalk-filtered water is laboratory-tested twice a year, ensuring our spirits are built on the purest foundation possible.
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Wild Sussex Botanicals: We handpick our botanicals from the lush hedgerows and fields of the Sussex countryside. By foraging locally, we capture the vibrant, seasonal flavours that make our artisan gin truly unique.
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Grain to Glass: We control the entire process. Unlike many brands that buy pre-made alcohol, we ferment and distil our own base, ensuring every batch meets our exacting standards.
Deeply Rooted in Sustainability
As an artisan English spirit producer, protecting the beautiful Sussex countryside is at the core of our business. We are deeply committed to sustainable practices that support our local community and reduce our environmental footprint:
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Local Sourcing: By partnering with trusted Sussex farmers for our ingredients, we ensure maximum freshness while cutting down on transport emissions.
Plastic-Free Packaging: We ship our bottles in Flexi-Hex sustainable packaging, reuse local cardboard boxes, and utilise paper bubble wrap to keep single-use plastics out of our ecosystem.
Energy Efficiency: Our distillation process is continuously refined to minimise waste and conserve energy.
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Every bottle of Harley House spirit is a celebration of the land we call home.
Local Natural Ingredients
At Harley House Distillery, we are passionate about crafting spirits that embody the true essence of Sussex. Our commitment to using local, natural ingredients is at the heart of everything we do, ensuring each bottle is a genuine reflection of our beautiful surroundings.
Our spirits are infused with the finest botanicals, handpicked from the lush hedgerows and fields of Sussex. By sourcing locally, we capture the unique flavors and aromas that define our region, creating a sensory experience that transports you to the heart of the countryside with every sip.
We believe in the importance of freshness and sustainability. Our ingredients are sourced from trusted local farmers and suppliers who share our commitment to quality and environmental stewardship. This not only supports the local economy but also reduces our carbon footprint, contributing to a more sustainable future.
Every bottle of our spirits is crafted using pure water from a local aquifer in the South Downs. This pristine water is laboratory-tested twice a year to ensure its exceptional quality and purity, providing the perfect base for our handcrafted spirits.
Our dedication to local natural ingredients extends to seasonal and foraged botanicals. We take pride in using ingredients that are in harmony with the seasons, adding a distinct and ever-evolving character to our spirits. Whether it’s the vibrant elderflowers of spring or the rich berries of autumn, each ingredient is carefully selected to bring out the best in our creations.
By focusing on local natural ingredients, we ensure that every sip of Harley House Distillery spirits is a true taste of Sussex. From our award-winning gins to our artisanal rums, each product is a celebration of the land we call home.
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