Welcome to the history of Wessex Spirits.
Original Founder; Kate Griffin.
Wessex Spirits started life as Test Valley Gin back in February 2017. I started out making just the one gin in the annexe in my Grandad’s garden! Inspired by my mum’s sloe gin I wanted to make something completely different so I created a savoury gin infused with fresh basil and thyme. Fully intending to return to teaching when my youngest child started school I bumbled along thinking the worst thing that could happen was that I would be left with 50 bottles of gin; not a massive problem for me! But instead of going back to teaching I made more gin and changed the business name to Wessex Spirits (based on Thomas Hardy’s Wessex – can’t escape my English teacher roots!)
I left Gramps in peace a year later and moved to my own premises in Andover in January 2018 where I started making bespoke gin for other people. That’s now my speciality. I love to work with clients choosing ingredients that help to tell their story and creating designs that they love.
In September 2021 a new chapter opened as Wessex Spirits moved to its current and forever home in the 17th Century coaching inn that used to be The Lamb Inn, Andover with The Andover Tap.
In February 2025, I made the decision to return to teaching and left Wessex Sprits in the capable hands of the amazing Paula and Tim at The Andover Tap. Thank you for being there for me the last 8 years, you all mean the world to me.
Owners Paula and Tim
On the 1st February 2025, The Beertap Inn’s became the new owners of Wessex Spirits and The Gin Palace.
They currently run The Andover Tap At The Lamb, The Andover Tap On Tour (a mobile bar), Ewe Brew (brewing their own beers on site) and now The Gin Palace and Wessex Spirits.
