Award-winning Dorset gin handcrafted beneath historic Hambledon Hill in Dorset
Location: Stourpaine, Dorset
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Our Story
Shroton Fair Gin was founded by Wilfrid Shon, who returned to his childhood home in Dorset after postgraduate study and began searching for the perfect gin recipe. During the Covid lockdowns, what started as an experiment in his kitchen became a mission to create a spirit that captured the character, history and landscape of rural Dorset.
The inspiration behind the name comes from the historic Shroton Fair, which took place in the Dorset village for more than 700 years. In 1767, a Royal Bengal Tiger was displayed at the fair, bringing a taste of the exotic to the Blackmore Vale. That story inspired the use of Eastern spices and unusual botanicals in the signature Zummit Dry® Gin.
After nearly a year of refining recipes and balancing flavours, Wilfrid created the first Shroton Fair Gin. The result was a distinctive gin combining traditional juniper character with carefully selected spices, citrus and botanical flavours. The business has since grown into an award-winning Dorset nano-distillery producing a range of handcrafted spirits while remaining rooted in local history and craftsmanship.
Meet The Team
Wilfrid Shon is the founder and master distiller behind Shroton Fair Gin. After studying Politics at university and completing postgraduate study in War and Strategy, Wilfrid returned to Dorset and followed his passion for creating exceptional spirits. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
A self-taught distiller, Wilfrid developed his recipes through experimentation, testing different combinations of botanicals until he achieved the balance he wanted. His approach combines curiosity, craftsmanship and a deep connection to the Dorset village where he grew up.
Today, Wilfrid continues to oversee every part of production, from botanical selection and recipe development to bottling and sharing the story behind Shroton Fair Gin with customers.
How It's Made
Every bottle of Shroton Fair Gin is produced in small batches at the Dorset distillery. The process begins with carefully selected botanicals, including juniper, coriander, cumin and other spices sourced from around the world.
The botanicals are hand-crushed using a pestle and mortar before being prepared for maceration. The spirit is then distilled in 25-litre copper stills, with additional botanicals including ginger, cranberry, lemon peel and grapefruit added during vapour distillation to create depth and complexity.
Once distilled, each bottle is carefully finished, filled, labelled and sealed by hand, reflecting the care and attention of a true small-batch artisan producer.
Sustainability
Shroton Fair Gin focuses on small-batch production and has introduced refill options to help reduce unnecessary glass waste. Customers can return bottles for refilling, while larger refill formats are also available for regular customers and trade.
By producing locally in Dorset and focusing on quality over mass production, the distillery maintains a traditional craft approach while reducing waste wherever possible.
Awards
Shroton Fair Gin has received recognition from leading drinks competitions for the quality of its spirits.
- International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) Gold Medal 2024 for Zummit Dry® Gin, scoring 95/100 points.
- Recognised among the top 5% of gins entered worldwide at the IWSC.
The award-winning Zummit Dry® Gin has helped establish Shroton Fair Gin as one of Dorset's most exciting independent craft distilleries.
What customers think
"A beautifully complex gin with layers of spice and citrus. Smooth enough to enjoy over ice and full of character."
Customer review – verified Google review
FAQs
Who founded Shroton Fair Gin?
Shroton Fair Gin was founded by Wilfrid Shon, a self-taught distiller who created the brand after developing his own gin recipe during the Covid lockdowns.
Where is Shroton Fair Gin made?
Shroton Fair Gin is distilled in Dorset at The Old Glass House, Ash Farm Courtyard, Stourpaine.
What inspired the name Shroton Fair Gin?
The name comes from the historic Shroton Fair, a Dorset event dating back hundreds of years. A 1767 story about a Royal Bengal Tiger appearing at the fair inspired the exotic botanicals used in the gin.
What is Zummit Dry® Gin?
Zummit Dry® is Shroton Fair Gin's signature award-winning gin, combining traditional juniper flavours with citrus, herbs and Eastern-inspired spices.
Has Shroton Fair Gin won any awards?
Yes. Zummit Dry® Gin won Gold at the International Wine & Spirit Competition in 2024, scoring 95 points and ranking among the top gins entered worldwide.
How is Shroton Fair Gin made?
The gin is produced in small batches using hand-prepared botanicals, copper stills and traditional distillation methods.
