The Kent-based distillery was launched in 2015 with the aim of being ultra-low impact on the environment while also having a positive impact by using surplus produce from local farmers, such as plums and apples, which the supermarkets won’t take.

On the nose is the distinct character of apple blossom with the contribution of the cask reminiscent of hot buttered toast. The spirit is smooth on the palate with an initial sweetness giving and warmth of the spirit which gives way to the characteristic apple flavour which lingers in the mouth. The vanilla and caramel spiciness of the cask marries beutifully with the apple aroma and leaves the memory of warm apple crumble. Greensand Ridge takes its’ name from the sweeping Weald hills where the team at the distillery source their flavours. We love the concept here – by adopting sustainable methods, Greensand are on a mission to reduce food waste by distilling and fermenting quality surplus produce, unwanted by supermarkets. THE SPIRITS Gallois, R.W., ed. (1965). British Regional Geology: The Wealden District. London: Her Majesty's Stationery Office. ISBN 0-11-884078-9. Powered by 100% renewable electricity and with a zero target for chemical use and non-recyclable waste, Greensand Ridge Distillery is a truly sustainable business.GG: Can you explain how you have reduced your carbon footprint in the traditionally energy-intensive process of distilling?

Will’s approach to using surplus produce or byproducts directs the spirits he brings to market. “We work with local farmers to mitigate their waste and so make a lot of fruit spirits like our Apple Brandy and Raspberry Ghost”, he says, “even our Wealden Rum is made from a locally sourced byproduct.” The Greensand Ridge, formed of Lower Greensand, much of which is sandstone and where hardest is locally termed Bargate stone, is a remnant of the Weald dome, part of the great Weald-Artois Anticline that runs from south-east England into northern France. NCA Profile:120 Wealden Greensand (NE465)". Natural England. Archived from the original on 1 October 2019 . Retrieved 18 May 2020.

A carbon neutral distillery, making spirits with surplus produce

Principal settlements lying on the southern part of the Greensand in Sussex, adjacent to the South Downs, include Storrington (at the eastern end of the ridge) and Midhurst. Petersfield marks the western end, where the ridge turns north east. Settlements on the main part of the ridge, running from Surrey into Kent include Haslemere, Godalming, Reigate and Redhill, Oxted and Sevenoaks. Many people are familiar with Calvados, the French apple spirit made with Normandy cider apples. Our spirit is made with dessert varieties so it is much lighter on the palate but wonderfully perfumed and aromatic. Two years of ageing in bourbon casks develops the apple character, adds softness and contributes flavour to the spirit. Situated deep in the English countryside, the distillery is housed in an old victorian coach house, the perfect setting for a private party. You’ll operate your own individual copper pot still. The six mini stills mean that small group sizes up to 12 make it a really intimate atmosphere. Will Edge: Gin is a natural way to represent the lands around us, in a beautiful spirit. Anything with carbohydrate we can of course ferment and represent in its pure form. But many of the aromas around us are bound in oils or resins, for example. The incredible complexity of some of those aromas lend themselves perfectly to gin.