Shining Cliff Gin From White Peak Distillery – A Surprising Discovery

I’ve been visiting the area of Shining Cliff woods at Ambergate with my family for years now and it is a firm favourite destination.

It came as such a delightful surprise to discover the White Peak distillery had set up on our favourite route. A gin distillery, on our favourite woodland route, and they sell coffee to take away, what a wonderful surprise.

The distillery is located near the river Derwent in an old wire works factory in an area steeped in history and legend. Shining Cliff ancient woodland is a World Heritage site and is an inspiration for a variety of gin.

Shining cliff gin is a refreshing delicious gin from the White Peak distillery company near Alderwasley in the Derbyshire Peak District. 

Discovering White Peak Distillery Gin 

We first discovered the White Peak Distillery company on one of our regular circular walks at Shining cliff woodland, and upon spotting the entrance sign on our way back to the car, a take away coffee sounded like a really good idea.

We had our dogs with us and so, unfortunately, we weren’t able to go inside for a warm up and a gin tasting.  The take away coffee was good enough for us, and my husband went inside to order whilst I looked after the 3 dogs.

The distillery hadn’t been on site long but was already well set up and seemed busy inside, doing gin tasting tours. I did feel a tad jealous if I’m honest.  There were a variety of gins on display to choose from, and while the coffee was prepared my husband decided to buy a small bottle of gin as a surprise for me.

Shining Cliff Gin – Floral 

The gin we bought home on that late autumn afternoon was Shining Cliff Gin – Floral which is distilled and bottled by hand at the Derwent Wire Works in Ambergate, Derbyshire.  A small batch gin.

The Tasting Notes

‘Inspired by Shining Cliff’s woodland and hedgerows, thirteen carefully selected botanicals (inc rose hip, bilberry & mayflower) distilled to create a smooth, perfectly balanced Derbyshire dry gin.’

Shining Cliff Gin Review 

Our visit to the White Peak Distillery was one of the best decisions we could have made that cold afternoon. The Shining Cliff Gin is a gin lovers delight, a dry, light and botanical flavoured style; a gin that’s delicious served over ice and tonic or mixed into a cocktail such as the White Lady. 

White Peak Distillery, Gin Varieties and Whisky 

I prefer to drink my gin over a little ice with a good quality tonic and maybe a small wedge of lemon or lime. I highly recommend the Shining Cliff Gin. I also enjoyed my visit to the distillery and the floral, botanical flavours in the gin reminds me of one of my most enjoyable walking areas. 

White Peak Distillery produces a wider range of gins, including Shining Cliff Citrus, Shining Cliff Spiced, Derbyshire Wildlife Trust River Side Gin. Oh, and did I mention they also produce whiskey?

History of Gin and the Botanicals Used 

Gin is known to have been used as early as the middle ages, mostly as a herbal remedy. Juniper berries are predominantly used as the main flavouring ingredient when distilling, and a wide variety of flavours are now available with choices ranging from very dry, fruity, floral and citrus. 

Gin became a craze of sorts after a heavy tax was introduced on imported liquor, such as brandy, and from 1695–1735 thousands of gin shops popped up all over London. Because the government allowed unlicensed gin production, and the price of gin was, in comparison to other drinks, very low it became quite popular even with poorer customers. 

These days, gin is produced at very high quality and with the aim to delight the most distinguished taste buds. Modern day gins are varied and are made for all tastes. This is one reason why gin tasting is so interesting: there’s so much to discover about it. 

Gin Tasting Tours 

Someday in the near future I will return to White Peak Distillery, when I have time for a gin tasting tour and no dogs in tow. It would be well worth booking to get the full experience of Shining Cliff gin, combined with a relaxed woodland walk before leaving the area. It’s something I recommend you do if you have the opportunity, as well.