CATEGORY
FINALIST
Kent Spirit of the Year
Founded by Lee Hall and James Hackney, two friends who met at their local pub and began experimenting with making their own spirits, Invoke Distillery has spent years perfecting their first, uncompromising release. The gin is distilled at 45% ABV using rye as its base spirit and a blend of 15 botanicals, some of which they grow themselves — a deliberately more expensive and labour-intensive approach than most gins take, chosen purely in pursuit of flavour. The pair’s traditional copper pot still, which they’ve named “Seiðr” after the Old Norse word for magic, is housed in a coach house the two restored themselves on the grounds of Mr Hackney’s home. Delays from the COVID-19 pandemic and years spent refining the recipe meant the gin didn’t reach the market until late 2023 — but the wait has paid off. Since launch, Invoke Signature London Dry Gin has won a gold medal at the London Spirits Competition, judged on quality, value, and packaging, and was named a winner at the 2024 Gin Guide Awards — recognition that places the young distillery alongside some of Kent’s most established gin makers. “We won’t compromise on flavour,” the founders said of their approach. “This makes little business sense, as it costs more to produce, but we’re putting out the gin we always dreamed of making.”
Vegan
Dairy Free
Nut Free
Vegetarian
