The Probus Club of Seaford

At our most recent meeting we had a presentation from Adam Cowley, Proprietor of Harley House Gin, based in Seaford.

Adam explained how he had begun his working life as a carpenter, specialising in spiral staircases. As a diversion, his hobby was distilling: he had made a still, and then learnt the craft of distillery, basically by trial-and-error, often at midnight at the bottom of the garden, (you may have wondered where the phrase ‘moonshine’ came from!). He tried the results out on a few brave friends, and they were very complimentary. On this basis Adam decided, in 2017, to turn his hobby into a business.

He applied for a licence (in fact you need 12!) and launched Sussex Pure Gin at an event at Southover Grange, Lewes. Adam sold his entire stock, and although the range of gins on offer has increased significantly, Sussex Pure Gin remains their signature product. Harley House is unusual in that they produce their own alcohol: most of their competitors buy the alcohol from commercial suppliers. The base for the gin is cane sugar, and pure water sourced from a bore hole near Alfriston. The fermented product is passed through a column still, with juniper berries contained at the head of the still. The distinctive flavours are extracted by the hot alcoholic vapours passing through.

The resulting liquid has a very high alcoholic content (as much as 96%). It is then watered down, and can be flavoured by a whole range of botanicals and spices, to give the wide range of products in the Harley House range. All the fruits and berries used in their gin are picked on a farm near Alfriston. Adam is proud of the fact that all the flavourings are natural; no artificial products are used. He is particularly keen to use differing berries which are found in the same vicinity: ‘what grows together goes together’ is Adam’s philosophy. Apart from the Sussex Pure Gin, the range also includes Honeysuckle & Hibiscus, Rhubarb & Ginger, Raspberry & Elderflower, and the award winning Hedgerow Gin. Adam pointed out that there are many legal requirements in the distillation of gin, with inspections by Customs & Excise at each stage. There is significant duty payable on the gin, unfortunately at the point of bottling, not selling.

After Adam’s presentation, members were able to sample many products from the Harley House range, and went on their way rejoicing.

The Probus Club of Seaford is aimed at retired or semi-retired gentlemen living in Seaford and surrounding areas. We meet on the second Tuesday of each month, at 12.15pm at Seaford Golf Club, Firle Road, for a two-course meal followed by a speaker. For further details, please contact the Secretary, Gavin, on (01323) 893760.