NOT doing Dry January? Then how about getting stuck into Gin-uary?
It is time to wave away those winter blues by sampling tipples at some of the country’s best gin distilleries this month.
Each one has a place to stay nearby, so you can knock back as many G&Ts as your body will allow without worrying about how to get home afterwards.
Sophie Swietochowski picks out the top ones.
THE TORRIDON, WESTER ROSS
SCOTLAND’s hilly Highland's aren't shy of excellent gin spots, and the Arcturus distillery at the 5* Torridon hotel is one of the best when combined with a stay in one of its plush rooms.
From tongue scraping to saying no, here are 12 health trends to try in 2023
Owners of the resort, Dan and Rohaise, decided to launch their gin brand after noticing demand for the spirit soar in the hotel bar.
Here you will have unbeatable views of the remote loch and rugged mountains which inspired the flavours of the gin, which is served to guests in martinis and jammy cocktails.
Expect notes of Scots lovage, rowanberries and kelp seaweed with pure loch water.
Book a distillery tour or enjoy a tasting experience in the Torridon’s Whisky & Gin Bar with over 100 gins to try.
Rooms cost from £299 per night. Call 01445 791242 or see thetorridon.com.
SILENT POOL, SURREY
WOTTON House, a glorious countryside estate hotel in Surrey, offers a special Silent Pool Gin Tour package which includes an overnight stay.
The distillery sits five miles from the hotel and has classically flavoured spirits as well as the more unusual kefir lime and citrus-flavoured gins.
The morning after the tour can be spent roaming the hotel’s 13 acres of gardens or taking a recovery dip in the indoor swimming pool.
Each package includes a 90-minute distillery tour, G&T on arrival, voucher for the distillery shop, three-course dinner and overnight stay.
Silent Pool Gin Tour packages cost from £279pp. Call 01306 730 000 or see wottonhouse.co.uk.
How to de-clutter if you have a beauty stash to last you a lifetime
PLYMOUTH GIN, DEVON
THE Plymouth Distillery, which produces Plymouth Gin, is the oldest distillery in England – making and bottling the stuff since 1793.
During a 2½-hour Master Distiller’s Tour (£55pp), you’ll learn all about the history of the spirit makers, sampling seven gins along the way and then producing your very own bottle from a selection of botanicals.
Stumble “home” to the historical Duke of Cornwall hotel, which is less than a 15-minute walk away, and has spacious rooms decorated in a Victorian-style.
Dine on dishes of Devon pork belly and pan-fried cod loin under a grand chandelier, before venturing to the bar for a nightcap.
Rooms cost from £62pp. Call 01752 275850 or see thedukeofcornwall.co.uk.
THE COPPER RIVET, KENT
YOU can bag a welcome tipple, overnight stay, three-course dinner, full English breakfast and a distillery tour at The Copper Rivet when you book the gin-themed package at Bridgewood Manor Hotel & Spa in Chatham, Kent.
The rooms are comfy, although the spa is the highlight, with a sauna, steam room and a selection of treatments that are sure to provide a cure for even the worst hangovers.
Unlike many distilleries in the UK, Copper Rivet lets visitors experience the entire process of making the spirit all the way from grain to glass.
The Gin Experience package costs from £179.
Call 01634 201333 or see bridgewoodmanorhotel.com.
