Blenheim Palace is launching its own signature gin in time for Christmas.

Blenheim Palace Signature London Dry Gin has been distilled using botanicals grown on the estate, and features lavender and rosemary picked from the walled gardens, alongside Blenheim orange apples from its orchards.

Blenheim natural mineral water is also used in the distilling process to give the gin a distinctive smooth taste which has been described as "elegant and stylish".

The new spirit has been created in partnership with the Sky Wave Gin distillery which sits among historic vehicle restoration businesses and a test track on the former airfield at Bicester Heritage.

The distillery, founded by Andrew Parsons and Rachel Hicks, was shortlisted for Distillery of the Year 2021 at the World Gin Awards.

Prior to launching Sky Wave Distillery, Rachel was a BBC journalist and TV news anchor and Andrew was an Army Officer in the Royal Signals. As life-long gin fans they were always searching for the perfect gin and attended a Gin School purely out of interest.

The recipe they created impressed the Master Distiller and fellow students so much that they went out the same day and bought a still.

The Blenheim recipe was Master Distiller Andrew's inspiration. He created what was officially named the World’s Best Contemporary Gin at the 2020 World Gin Awards.

He believes Blenheim’s most famous son, Sir Winston Churchill, who was born at the palace, would approve of the drink.

“We could achieve nothing less than the finest quality for such a prestigious client and much-loved institution," said Andrew.

“Six months in the making, this gin is incredibly smooth with a wonderfully complex flavour profile.

"I feel confident in saying the Blenheim Palace Signature London Dry Gin would have become a favourite of Churchill himself, well known to be partial to a martini,” he added.

After distilling, the gin is gently rested for seven days to allow the unique flavours and aromas to develop, before being bottled and labelled by hand.

“We are extremely fortunate to have a multi award-winning distillery on our doorstep and who better to ask to create our very own signature gin?” said Blenheim Palace’s head of retail, Judy Bendall.

“Andrew has been incredibly helpful in creating this exciting new product and his expertise, combined with that of our head gardener Hilary Wood, has resulted in something truly unique to Blenheim,” she added.

The gin is available to buy in time for Christmas both at the Blenheim Palace shop and online and costs £36.95.