Despite the difficulties of 2020 and COVID, Forest of Dean-based couple Jason Morgan and Jessica Howells are hoping to finish the year with a flourish, launching Woodside Distillery with their first gin utilising flavours inspired by the local area. 

While both are more experienced in the motor trade, working within the family business of Winner Garage Skoda and Cinderford MG, Jason saw the first lockdown in April as an opportunity to try something new. “More recent projects have involved building and preparing rally cars, but lockdown had me thinking of a new challenge and looking into distilling our own gin came to mind.” He explained.

With what will be the only distillery based within the 42 square miles of the Forest of Dean, Woodside Distillery is named after the street on which the couple reside. With this in mind, Jessica said “We’ve based our branding on the beautiful settings around us, using Oak leaves, Ferns and Foxgloves to illustrate our links with the area.”

The first lockdown encouraged many to take up new activities, for Jason and Jessica it involved the building of their own distillery and with gin being the favoured beverage for both, it was an obvious choice to start with. “It has required quite some research but we’ve been so happy with what we have created, we have decided to take it further with a business venture and launch of Woodside Gin.” Said Jason. “The gin we have created gives subtle tones of Juniper and Citrus leads the nose, while sweet Forest Flavourings of Violet and Hawthorn Berries lead the taste, leaving wild Dandelion and Mugwort base notes resting on the pallet.”

And the couple are not stopping there, “We’re already looking to expand to vodka and more gins, all flavoured with a Forest of Dean heritage.” Said Jason. “And should it all go as we hope, we even plan to open our doors to the public and give them an experience in the history and process of making gin, maybe even make some of their own.”