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Gin reigns as the house gin and embodies the ethos of exploration and luxury for which Viking is renowned. Additionally, the featured cocktail presented on Viking menus, the White Lady, is made with Highclere Castle Gin and affords guests a taste of the exact recipe used by Highclere's head butler today. The creation of a gin from Highclere was natural, organic and in some ways inevitable. The discovery of handwritten butlers' notes has further cemented the castle's historical association with this popular spirit. These documents reveal that guests were served gin cocktails as far back as the 1920s. Viking, with its commitment to delivering culturally enriching experiences, finds in Highclere Castle Gin a fitting companion on its journey. In a world inundated with spirits lacking an authentic story, Highclere Castle Gin stands as a beacon of sophistication, adventure and heritage. It is more than just another spirit—it is an invitation to journey through time, to raise a toast to the joy of exploration and to relish the essence of a legendary gin. Setting sail, let us raise our glasses to the adventures that lie ahead, to the tales waiting to be told and to the memories and friendships yet to be made. Nestled amid the lush landscape of Hampshire, England lies the illustrious Highelere Castle, a gorgeous 5,000 -acre estate built in 1679. More recently, it is also the birthplace of Highclere Castle Gin. Recognised as the world's most awarded premium gin, its essence lies in the carefully crafted balance of the botanical richness of the legendary estate and the centuries of tradition to which the castle has played host. On every Viking voyage, travellers have the opportunity to savour a cocktail interwoven with this tasty spirit that combines rich heritage with local ingredients and exceptional quality. Highclere Castle, famed as the backdrop of the beloved series Downton Abbey, grows the very botanicals that form the heart of the gin that shares its name. Within the castle's Victorian-era orangery thrive the finest citrus fruits, while ancient lavender from the Walled Garden, planted by the Bishop of Winchester in the 9th century, lends a touch of floral spirituality. A particularly unique ingredient is the Highclere oats, which pay homage to the castle's thoroughbred racing legacy. The oats provide the gin with its signature velvety texture and smooth finish. Conceived by American distiller Adam von Gootkin in collaboration with the owners of the estate, the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon, Highclere Castle Gin is the result of a harmonious transatlantic partnership—a commitment to unparalleled quality and a passion for entertaining. Distilled in England's oldest gin distillery using venerable copper pot stills, Highclere Castle Gin is now recognised across the globe as the epitome of traditional London Dry craftsmanship. Viking and Highclere Castle have cultivated a longstanding partnership, offering guests an exploratory shore excursion at Highclere Castle on several itineraries. Across the Viking fleet, Highclere Castle Highclere Castle PREMIUM GIN The iconic Highclere Castle is more than just the setting for the acclaimed Downton Abbey series—it also distills its own brand of premium gin. Highclere Castle in Hampshire, England; The Earl and Countess of Carnarvon 37 | Viking Explorer Society News