First Impressions
Foxdenton Estate makes two fruit gins that are rightly celebrated among those who know — the Sloe (reviewed separately) and this Damson Gin Liqueur. Where the Sloe expression champions dryness and restraint, the Damson leans more generously into the fruit, producing a liqueur that is rich, jammy, and deeply satisfying. Damsons — those small, intensely flavoured wild plums that grow in British hedgerows — are steeped in Foxdenton's 48% London Dry gin base, with sugar added to produce a liqueur at 18.5% ABV.
The quality of the base gin matters enormously in a fruit liqueur, and Foxdenton's London Dry — itself a well-regarded 48% expression — provides a foundation of genuine quality.
The Distillery
Foxdenton Estate in Buckinghamshire has been making fruit liqueurs for generations. The damson gin follows their established method: fruit steeped in their own London Dry gin (distilled at Thames Distillers) with sugar. The result is deliberately drier than many commercial damson gins — Foxdenton respects the damson's natural tartness and tannic structure rather than burying it beneath sweetness. At 18.5% ABV, it is technically a liqueur, but the gin character from the powerful base spirit ensures it retains gin-like qualities.
Tasting
The nose is rich and immediately inviting. Jammy red berry and damson fruit lead — ripe, concentrated, and unmistakably natural. Cherry notes add depth, and light black pepper spice from the base gin provides aromatic warmth. Clove adds a subtle festive quality, and there is a faint rose petal note that speaks to the damson's kinship with the wider rose family. It is a nose that smells like autumn in the English countryside.
On the palate, the damson takes centre stage with magnificent richness. Jammy damson fruit with raspberry and cherry creates a flavour profile of genuine opulence — this is a liqueur that tastes of real fruit, not fruit flavouring. The balance comes from natural fruit tannins that prevent the sweetness from cloying, alongside clove and light black pepper spice from the gin base. There are notes of almond oil and allspice — the bittersweet complexity that only natural damson can provide. The mouthfeel is luscious without being heavy, and the gin backbone prevents any slide into mere sweetness.
The finish is one of the liqueur's finest qualities. Sweet damson and blackcurrant persist, but cleansing tart acidity and tannins provide a refreshing counterpoint that keeps the palate interested. Black pepper from the base gin adds warmth, and the overall finish is long and fruity, with mixed spices and plum jam lingering beautifully.
How to Drink It
Foxdenton Damson Gin is superb neat, slightly chilled — it is a digestif of real quality. It also makes an outstanding Damson Gin Fizz: two parts damson gin, one part lemon juice, topped with soda over ice. The tartness of the damson and the citrus create a drink of wonderful balance.
For cooking, it makes a magnificent sauce for roast duck or game birds — the damson's natural affinity for rich meats is well established, and the gin adds aromatic complexity. It also works brilliantly drizzled over vanilla ice cream.
The Bottom Line
Foxdenton Damson Gin Liqueur earns an 8 for demonstrating the extraordinary quality that real damsons can achieve when handled with respect. The drier style, the natural tannins, and the high-quality gin base combine to produce a liqueur that transcends the category — this is not a sweet afterthought but a serious drink in its own right. At around £30, it represents excellent value for a product made with real fruit, real gin, and real care. An essential autumn bottle.
