Nelson’s Distillery & School is an award-winning, innovative distilling academy nestled in the picturesque Staffordshire countryside in the United Kingdom. Founded by Master Distiller Neil Harrison, the establishment provides an unparalleled experience for spirit enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike, combining the art of distilling with education and hands-on involvement.

The LIVE virtual tastings are carried out in the last week of the month. Please keep an eye on our socials for confirmed dates! It was blended together by Michel and Nelson's founder and master distiller Neil Harrison - who is also a former chef. Speaking about the team up, Michel said: "I’m extremely honoured to have worked with Nelson’s Distillery to create an ultra-premium gin that we will be proud to serve at our restaurants. Begin by rimming a short glass with coarse salt. To do this, moisten the rim of the glass with a grapefruit wedge, then dip the rim into a plate of salt, ensuring an even coating. Former chef Neil Harrison, the founder of Nelson's Gin, commented: "We wanted to use something that is totally different, unique and up-and-coming, and the timur pepper certainly fits the bill. It's an ingredient that most people are unfamiliar with but we hope to change that with the launch of our new product."At the heart of the experience is the Gin & Vodka School, where participants engage in an interactive and educational journey. Under expert guidance, guests learn about the intricacies of distilling, taste a curated selection of Nelson’s signature spirits, and even create their own bespoke gin or vodka blend using an individual mini copper still. This hands-on approach allows visitors to develop a deep appreciation for the expertise and passion that goes into crafting high-quality spirits. It was fantastic to welcome Michel to the Nelson’s Distillery and we have spent quite some time perfecting the Le Gavroche Gin, experimenting with flavour combinations and ensuring we produce the best gin we possibly could.” Nelson’s Distillery and School has its headquarters in Uttoxeter, Staffordshire. The company produces a range of gin, vodka and rum, supplied to a number of bars and restaurants. Nelson’s also has schools up and down the country in Uttoxeter, Leeds, Birmingham and Manchester. Roux said of the collaboration: “I was seeking a premium craft gin partner to work with on this product and, by chance, I got to sample Nelson’s unique Timur Gin made from a Szechuan pepper only found in Nepal.

I like big strong punchy flavours, like grapefruit, like citrus fruits and obviously juniper. I took a little nod from Nelson’s Timur Gin with the Szechuan pepper and those kind of spicy notes. Nothing too subtle! The much-loved TV personality and renowned chef known for presenting such shows as Channel 4’s Food Unwrapped, Celebration Kitchen and most famously BBC’s Saturday Kitchen has followed in the footsteps of fellow chef Michel Roux Jr to produce his very own gin with Nelson’s Distillery & School. Le Gavroche Gin, which was created with a combination of 28 botanicals, is a tribute to Roux’s two Michelin star French restaurant of the same name. In line with this emerging trend, Nelson's Gin has made timur the showcase botanical within it's latest product, Timur Gin​, which is the first gin of its kind on the market.This mouth-watering list of gins follows on from our previous 50 best gins to try before you die list, together they make a list of the 100 best gins that every true gin lover should know and should try at least once. The timur pepper, which is commonly used in Nepali curries and seasonings, is described as a 'false pepper' due to the fact that it is a berry with a peppery taste. Timur has the same sharpness as a regular peppercorn but with a citrusy grapefruit flavour. Harrison said of the partnership: “This is a landmark moment for us as a business and I’m incredibly proud to work so closely with Michel on the Le Gavroche Gin.

It was fantastic to welcome Michel to the Nelson’s Distillery. We have spent quite some time perfecting the Le Gavroche Gin, experimenting with flavour combinations and ensuring we produce the best gin we possibly could." Timur has always been a relatively unknown ingredient, we’re the only known gin distiller that uses it as a key flavour. When we saw it used in a recipe on Saturday Kitchen we just had to send them a bottle (or two).

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It was fantastic to welcome Michel to the Nelson’s Distillery and we have spent quite some time perfecting the Le Gavroche Gin, experimenting with flavour combinations and ensuring we produce the best gin we possibly could."

I was seeking a premium craft gin partner to work with on this product and, by chance, I got to sample Nelson's unique Timur Gin made from a Szechuan pepper only found in Nepal. The 61-year-old and the Uttoxeter-based distiller say the new spirit is 'a unique combination of 28 botanicals and brings together floral, herbaceous and spice flavours to create the essence of Provence'. In 2021 Michel Roux Jr. partnered with Staffordshire distiller, Nelson’s Distillery & School to create the pouring gin for his famous fine dining restaurant - Le Gavroche, based on Upper Brook Street, Mayfair, London. Master distiller Neil added: "This is a landmark moment for us as a business and I’m incredibly proud to work so closely with Michel on the Le Gavroche Gin.The Le Gavroche Gin is a combination of 28 botanicals blended together by Michel and Nelson's founder – and former chef – Neil Harrison. I was seeking a premium craft gin partner to work with on this product and, by chance, I got to sample Nelson’s unique Timur Gin made from a Szechuan pepper only found in Nepal. I was extremely impressed and the taste was unique and wonderful so I knew immediately the distiller had a true understanding of developing flavour combinations. The distillery itself is a state-of-the-art facility that produces a range of artisanal gins and vodkas, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship and a dedication to quality. Visitors to Nelson’s Distillery & School are given the opportunity to tour the production facilities, learning about the rich history of gin and vodka, as well as the methods, botanicals, and techniques used to create these distinct and flavourful spirits.