The Spirit of Bristol: Crafting a City's Spirit in a Bottle
Posted on: 30 Aug 2025Bristol’s gin scene has a new rising star with The Spirit of Bristol Distillery, a craft producer that has already won international acclaim for its range of premium gins. Founded by distiller Peter Lumber—better known as “Random Pete”—the brand combines traditional methods with a sustainable ethos, producing spirits that celebrate Bristol’s history and character.
From Pub to Distillery
Peter’s journey into distilling began back in 2007 when he bought a pub. Over time, his passion for spirits grew into a full-fledged craft, leading him to create a micro-distillery at The Newbury pub. There, he developed the award-winning Berkshire Dry Gin and the Lumber’s Bartholomew range, both of which earned recognition at international competitions. In 2024, he launched The Spirit of Bristol Distillery, firmly rooting his work in the city he calls home.
Distilling with Purpose
The distillery follows the one-shot method, where botanicals are macerated with the base spirit and distilled whole. This technique creates a richer, more integrated flavour profile compared to larger-scale multi-shot production.
Sustainability is central to the distillery’s philosophy. Bottling and packaging are handled locally, ingredients are sourced through Bristol-based partners where possible, and international exports are shipped rather than flown—reducing environmental impact while staying true to the community ethos.
Four Gins, Four Stories of Bristol
The Spirit of Bristol has launched with four flagship gins, each reflecting a different facet of the city’s heritage:
London Dry Gin (42% ABV) – A classic, juniper-led gin layered with citrus peel, cardamom, coriander, lime leaf, cubebs, and cassia bark. Clean, balanced, and versatile, it shines both neat and with tonic.
Clifton Royale (43% ABV) – Inspired by Clifton’s Georgian elegance, this expression features aromas of lavender and clove, with flavours of elderberry and lavender on the palate, finishing with cassia bark and citrus.
Hotwells Spice (44% ABV) – A nod to Bristol’s spice-trade legacy, this bold gin offers peppery and herbal aromas, followed by juniper, cubebs, cardamom, and grains of paradise, finishing with a warm, dry spice.
Harbourside (Navy Strength, 58% ABV) – A powerful yet elegant gin with notes of blackberry, elderberry, cassia, citrus, and lavender. Full-bodied and maritime in character, it’s a standout choice for cocktails such as a Bramble.
International Recognition
Despite being a newcomer, The Spirit of Bristol has already impressed judges on the world stage. Clifton Royale was awarded Gold at the London Spirits Competition, while Harbourside claimed a Bronze. The gins have also earned recognition at the World Gin Awards both winning Gold Medals, cementing the distillery’s place among the UK’s most promising new producers.
Rooted in Bristol
Today, The Spirit of Bristol’s gins can be found in over 30 venues across the city, including Spirited, Corks of Bristol, and Grape & Grind. The distillery has quickly built a reputation not just for quality spirits, but for capturing the essence of the city itself—its maritime heritage, its creative energy, and its proud independence.
A Taste of Bristol in Every Glass
From the floral elegance of Clifton Royale to the bold power of Harbourside, The Spirit of Bristol has created a portfolio that offers something for every gin lover. More than just a distillery, it is a celebration of Bristol’s past and present—bottling the spirit of the city for the world to enjoy.
For more information or to order from stockists near you visit www.spiritofbristol.com.
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Bristol born and bred despite the name, Brendan has been working in the digital media sector for the last 15 years and advertising for the last 25 years. A wealth of knowledge about the city and more importantly at how to help businesses get as much online exposure as possible. Call Brendan on 07876 735153 or email Brendan@365bristol.com.
