DEVIZES MP Danny Kruger visited Ramsbury Distillery to see first-hand how it produces its award-winning gin and vodka.

He was shown around by estate farm manager Alistair Ewing who was keen to enlist his support for the UK Spirits Alliance’s campaign to back spirits in the Chancellor’s October 27 budget. The campaign aims to ensure the Government progresses with the alcohol duty review and implements a fair duty regime for UK spirits producers.

Mr Ewing said: “We’re really proud of the products we produce and so it’s great to get the support of our local MP.

"We have asked him to take the message back to Westminster that the best way to support businesses like ours across the country would be to ensure the Government back spirits and back producers like me.”

Mr Kruger said: “I really enjoyed my visit to Ramsbury Distillery where I met Alistair and the team, who are producing spirits which capture the essence of England. UK spirits is a British success story creating jobs, investment, and economic growth across all four corners of the UK, including here in Wiltshire.

“I welcome the government’s commitment to review spirits duty to ensure the industry continues to flourish.”

A spokesperson for the UK Spirits Alliance said: “By backing spirits at the upcoming budget, we can create new jobs and driving economic growth, and we hope MPs will get behind us and ask the Chancellor to support spirits on the October 27.”

Built 2014, the distillery was built following the success of the Ramsbury brewery, which itself was founded in 2004. The estate is made up of over 19,000 acres which also includes West Berkshire and North Hampshire, and is run by Mr Ewing.