# Highclere Castle Gin

The Perfect Gin

## Elevator pitch
Highclere Castle Spirits distills, markets and distributes the worlds perfect gin from the worlds most famous castle.

- Canonical URL: https://wefunder.com/highclere.castle.gin
- Entity ID: wefunder:company:110854
- Last updated: 2026-06-11T05:00:39Z
- Generated at: 2026-06-11T22:06:17Z

## Quick facts
- 🏰 Born from Highclere Castle, known globally as “Downton Abbey"
- 🏆 One of the fastest growing & most awarded gins in the world
- 🌎 Available in more than 4,000 premium restaurants, hotels & liquor stores globally & growing daily
- 📈 95% growth YTD ('20 over '21)
- 🍸$6M+ in market retail sales since launch in 2019
- 📰 Featured in Forbes, Fortune, Robb Report, People Magazine and others
- 📦 E-commerce in 40 US States, the UK and 28 EU countries

## Active fundraises
- wefunder:fundraise:59777: 4(a)(6) successful (USD)
- wefunder:fundraise:59946: 4(a)(6) successful (USD)

## Story
The Problem: The gin brand experience has been stale for decadesDo you know the story of Tanqueray, Bombay or Hendricks? Think carefully...Neither do we. The majority of gins consumed are brands without story, passion, and most importantly authenticity; the gin brand experience has been stale for decades. Many mass market brands are akin to the “fast food” of spirits.The craft movement is gaining market share because consumer trends favor products that don’t have artificial ingredients, flavorings, sugar substitutes or colorings. Consumers desire sustainable production practices, responsible entrepreneurship and affordable luxury.The gin market is exploding with growth yet lacks the vibrant brands to satiate market demand.The Solution: Highclere Castle Gin. An award-winning spirit that checks all the boxesHighclere Castle Gin merges craft quality with built-in global awareness, an internationally award-winning flavor, a compelling authentic story, history, prestige, and lifestyle in a glass.Vodka is dead; gin is in, with super-premium gin appreciating record breaking annual growth of 31.7%. Consumers are bored of vodka and gin brands born in corporate boardrooms. Highclere Castle Gin is exactly what the modern-day consumer is seeking, because Highclere is an experiential brand purchase. The Highclere Castle Gin experience solves the gin problem in a way that competing brands can’t.Upon considering this investment, we invite you to taste Highclere Castle Gin. We are available in stores and restaurants in 25 US States along with the UK and offer direct shipping to 40 US states and 27 EU countries. You can order Highclere Castle Gin at www.HighclereCastleGin.com and have your bottle shipped directly to your home.About Highclere CastleHome to the Earl’s of Carnarvon since the 16th centuryHighclere has hosted many of the world’s most famous and interesting people, and continues to do so todayDesigned by Sir Charles Barry, architect of Britain's House of Parliament and Big BenThe 5,000 acre Highclere Castle Estate is sustainably farmed using wildlife, flora, and fauna preservation techniquesThe Estate is highly regarded for producing high-grade oats for thoroughbred racehorsesBotanicals, barley, and oats have been grown at Highclere for generations and are used in the production of Highclere Castle GinOver 135,000 people visit Highclere annually when open to the publicThe Spirit of Highclere's HistoryWhat makes Highclere the perfect gin?A traditional London Dry GinNo added sugar, flavorings, or artificial ingredientsA modern citrus forward flavor profileFeaturing sophisticated floral, spice, and juniper notesBlossoms on the rocks, elevates cocktailsThe Highclere Castle Gin proprietary recipe & design includes:10 hand-selected botanicalsDistilled from English-grown wheat in England’s oldest gin distilleryCitrus from Highclere’s Victorian era orangeryLavender grown in the Estate’s walled Monk’s Garden, planted in the 9th century by theBishop of WinchesterHighclere is the first gin in the world to use oats*The packaging has won numerous design awards and is manufactured in EnglandMSRP Target Price: $40 | £40 | €40*To our knowledge, based on company's own industry researchLangley Distillery is situated in the historic Crosswell’s Brewery site, which dates back to the early 1800s and was built over an ancient underground water sourceGin has been distilled at Langley Distillery since 1920Continuous improvements to the site, along with a long history and heritage in gin making, has resulted in a facility which produces globally award-winning gins of the finest qualityThe stills at Langley Distillery are some of the oldest working copper gin stills in the UK, some of them dating back to the early 1800sProduction capacity allows for millions of bottles per year for scalabilityHighclere Castle Gin sales growthSuccessfully raised $5.7M in Series AOver 150,000 bottles sold in less than 2 years with a market retail value of over $6MFeatured in many of the finest hotels and restaurants around the worldDistribution in 25 US Markets, UK, Denmark, France, Switzerland, Poland & MaltaLaunched E-Commerce platform, home delivery to 40 US States, 27 EU Countries, & UKE-Commerce sales show 25% of customers purchase more than 1 bottle per order, indicating strong loyalty and reorder ratesE-commerce represents 10% of total sales with growth projected to quadruple in 2022Active new distribution opportunities include: Canada, Central Europe, Asia, LATAM, Caribbean, and additional US StatesWhat the experts are saying...What the world is saying...Operating within a 3-tier system(1)The product is distilled and bottled in England.(2) The company exports product from the United Kingdom to warehouses in North America and Europe, where it is then sold directly to distributors and wholesalers who operate in their respective markets.(3) A distributor offers logistics, warehousing, a sales team, and product delivery. Distributors sell directly to liquor stores/retailers (off-premise), as well as to restaurants, hotels, bars, country clubs (on-premise) etc.Consumers are exposed to the brand in various ways upon entering the above locations. Highclere Castle Spirits works to market the product successfully in partnership with the distributors to retail/restaurant locations.Highclere Castle Spirits deploys marketing resources to end consumers to create pull through in the market. This is done through direct marketing, social media, earned press media, digital advertising, events and through in-store/ in-restaurant roll- out initiatives. The company has and is increasing strategic relationships with global chains, strategic partners, leading influencers and media partners around the world.Highclere Castle Gin has engineered a proprietary strategy and hyper-targeted distribution model that develops deep relationships with target accounts in pre-identified core markets.This distribution strategy is implemented in target markets with target accounts throughout the US, UK & EU. Through the implementation of this strategy, Highclere Castle Gin is growing quality sales and building the business around loyal repeat customers.Spirit industry global market & gross marginsThe Spirit's industry can be characterized by rapid innovation in a globalized setting. The largest growth segment of gin is Super Premium, driving growth for the entire gin market.The global gin market is estimated at $9.86B in 2021, and is on pace to reach $11.2B by 2024. In comparison, spirits as a category are projected to grow 1% in the same time period. Super premium gin, alongside tequila and whiskey, is one of the few spirits categories adding growth to the spirits industry, with luxury spirits soaring 43% in 2021.The anticipated direction of the market grants tremendous growth opportunity for new brands. The spirits industry is moving towards a “premiumization” trend, which is reflected in recent M&A activity and consumption patterns led by millennials—30% of whom have consumed gin in the last 3 months.Highclere Castle Gin Occupies a Rare Space in the Spirits IndustryNew brands in the market are typically launched from one of the leading global spirit houses or a small craft spirit distillery. The large companies have global distribution, large marketing budgets and often release short term, trend-oriented products or focus on their legacy brands. Craft distilleries who have small production capabilities to emphasize quality product and story often lack significant distribution and marketing resources beyond their local market.Highclere Castle Gin is unique in that it is a craft brand using botanicals from an estate and distilled in England’s oldest gin distillery. However, the company has secured significant distribution in a short period of time, is actively converting consumers to the product, has earned a broad array of international media coverage and is regularly growing its retail base through new strategic partnerships.Competing gin brands include Hendricks, Bombay Sapphire, Aviation, The Botanist and Monkey47. Highclere Castle Gin's goal is to own 4% of the premium gin market in the worlds largest spirit market, the US.“M&A is the new R&D”Global strategics acquire new brands instead of innovating themStrategics are acquiring premium spirits at high multiples (10–20x)Investors: $5.7M Raised in Series AOur founders"We have a long history of great entertaining and memorable parties at Highclere, and our gin epitomizes everything that is great about Highclere…. You touch a bit of Highclere every time you take a sip of this glorious gin. A modern burst of botanical genius with storied history of Highclere Castle and estate. Do come and join us for the next exciting part of our journey, into making Highclere Castle gin among the leading spirits brands on earth.”Family seat at Highclere Castle since 1679Partner & Brand Ambassador in Highclere Castle SpiritsEntrepreneur & commercial farmerGlobal tastemakerManages the estate farm and tourism businessLady Carnarvon is an international taste maker and social influencer. Her following has grown through her international book tours, PBS special, popular blog and regular speaking engagements.Author of NY Times best selling books about Highclere Castle, including: “Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey”Her fourth book, “Seasons at Highclere” released in 2021 features Highclere Castle Gin cocktailsPublic speaking and book tours around the worldFrequently featured on global news media outletsSuccessful blog: https://www.ladycarnarvon.comMeet Lady Carnarvon:Adam is committed to building distinctly authentic brands rooted in the uniqueness of their terroir and provenance, a celebration of history, authenticity, and irreplaceable pedigree.Family history in spirits business dates back to the 1800’sLifelong entrepreneurOpened Award Winning Craft Distillery, Onyx Spirits Company in 2009 – the first distillery in CT since prohibitionAuthor of nationally released “Living Proof: Onyx Moonshines Journey to Revive the American Spirit”Launched industry leading Highclere Castle Cigar line produced in Nicaragua with world renowned cigar blender Nicholas Melillo in 2017Launched Highclere Castle Gin in 2019Adam has been featured on Bloomberg, Forbes, Fortune, NBC, CBS, NPR, Chilled Magazine, People, Entertainment Tonight, Bartender Magazine, New York Times, Cigar Lover Magazine, and many other leading media platforms.Meet Adam von Gootkin:

## FAQ
1. **What proof of shares will we have for this investment?**
   - Cory, the amount of CF Units purchased will be evidenced by the Subscription Agreement you sign when you invest.
2. **Looking at the financials, HC has raised 7,129,600 since 2018. HC did $895,000-ish in revenue 2020, has a net loss of $1.2 million in 2020, a net loss of $2.2 million in 2019, HC has $207,000 in cash, burns $200,000 a month in opex, has short term debt of $165,000, and doesn't...**
   - Patrick, Thanks for your careful review of the offering. We will respond to each of your comments/questions in turn. 1. With respect to ownership of the IP, Highclere Castle Enterprises LLP (a different entity from the Company) will always own its intellectual property because it is the owner of Highclere Castle. There can be no use of the Highclere brand without Highclere’s permission. The truly significant asset is the exclusive license to use this valuable intellectual property, which the ...
3. **I want to invest, and want to become a brand ambassador. I do have some questions that I would prefer to ask privately, is that possible?**
   - Hello Juviensky, Thank you for your inquiry. Due to CF regulations, all questions need to be answered on the message board here so that all our investors benefit from the information simultaneously.
4. **Hi there how would investors make money thanks**
   - Scott, Thanks for your interest in Highclere Castle Gin. Per the terms of the Company's operating agreement, crowd fund investors may share in profit distributions, which may be made from time to time at the discretion of the Company’s management, as well as in the event of a sale of the Company.
5. **So why did you move your crowd-funding from republic to wefunder?**
   - Andrew, Thank you for your interest in Highclere Castle Gin. After exploring several crowdfund portal options, the Company chose to proceed with Wefunder because we felt they aligned best with the Company’s goals. In doing so, we were also able to offer better terms for our investors by offering the opportunity to purchase equity in the Company.

## Team
- Adam  von Gootkin (Co-Founder & CEO)
- Lord Carnarvon (Co-Founder & Brand Ambassador)
- Lady Carnarvon (Co-Founder & Brand Ambassador )
- Renee Lemieux (Chief of Staff)
- Peter Kowalczyk (Chief Operating Officer)
- Regina Von Gootkin (Attorney )
- Melissa Trofatter (Sales Administrator )
- Steve Kosciukiewicz (US Sales Manager )
- Catherine Poulin (Head of Public Relations )
- Ted Yang (Digital Advertising and Strategy)
- Chris Van Howten (Design Consultant)
- Richard Lamping (Sales Manager -UK)
- Art Lokar  (Sales Manager - Michigan)
- Andrea Miller (Sales Manager- Georgia)
- Linda Lofstrom (Sales Manager- Illinois)

## Recent posts
- We’re off to a strong start having hit our initial goal of $50,000 in just four hours and twenty minutes, and we’ve doubled that to over $100,000 in just three days! Stay tuned for more exciting updates. (2022-03-25T13:58:15Z)

## Q&A
- Q: So why did you move your crowd-funding from republic to wefunder?
  - A: Andrew, Thank you for your interest in Highclere Castle Gin. After exploring several crowdfund portal options, the Company chose to proceed with Wefunder because we felt they aligned best with the Company’s goals. In doing so, we were also able to offer better terms for our investors by offering the opportunity to purchase equity in the Company.
- Q: Are there any discounts or other perks of being an investor?
  - A: Hello Diana, You should be receiving monthly newsletters where discounts and perks are announced. Please let us know if you are not on the Highclere Castle Gin mailing list or sign up at our website to join.
- Q: Would the company consider special engraved gin glasses from Glencairn to be official merchandise? I see Glencairn has a "Gin Goblet". I would very much like to have a set with the Highclere Castle Gin logo. https://glencairn.co.uk/product/glencairn-gin-goblet/
  - A: This is a great idea. We’ve been considering custom gin glassware for some time. Glencairn is renowned in the industry for their quality products. You’ve prompted us to reach out around a collaboration. Stay tuned!
- Q: I see this is the "first round" with a goal of nearly $500k USD. How many rounds are you all anticipating? What is the overall plan for the money raised from this CF venture? I know Highclere has a loyal following from the 'Downton Abbey' series and more. How do you plan to appeal to/continue to build on an audience beyond the fans of the show? Having a signature drink helps promote brands as well, is there a signature Highclere Castle Gin combination? [Like Jameson and ginger.] I see 2022 expansion markets which are all wonderful and good to see as a potential investor. I know the pandemic has made transportation and logistics difficult for many companies. Have you all seen any supply chain issues these past couple of years that might hinder existing or potential future growth markets?
  - A: Jennifer, Thank you for your interest in Highclere Castle Gin. We will attempt to answer each of your questions in turn. • Currently, Highclere is seeking to raise up to $1,070,000.00 through this crowdfund round. The initial $500,000 of that investment is being offered at a discount of more than 10%. Currently, investors can purchase one share of the Company for $133.33; after the initial $500,000 is raised, the offering price will be $150 per share. Highclere is considering an increase of this crowdfund offering of up to $5,000,000, but additional documentation will need to be filed with the SEC before April 30, 2022 in order to do so. • The money raised from this crowdfund round will be used to bolster and expand the general business operations of the Company. Details about the use of funds are available in our Company “Details” section as well as in the Form C filed with the SEC, a link to which is available in the “Details” section. • Since the Company’s launch in 2019, Highclere Castle’s association with Downton Abbey has been a boon to Highclere’s success, but Highclere Castle Gin’s popularity has been built and sustained on the quality of the product, and its customer base quickly evolved beyond Downton fans. Highclere has won more than 50 international spirit awards and received extensive global press and accolades from respected industry experts and is now carried in many of the world’s most prestigious accounts. Highclere Castle Gin is and always has been more than just a brand connected to celebrity. Highclere is a brand built on authenticity, coming directly from Highclere’s historic estate. The Company, along with its partners, Lord and Lady Carnarvon, is dedicated to the celebration and protection of the Highclere estate and its traditions, brought to life and liquefied in Highclere Castle Gin. With the second Downton movie being released next month, the Company will continue to capitalize on the positive press and general awe and awareness of Highclere Castle. • The vast majority of gin is consumed via gin & tonic. Highclere’s signature cocktail is a twist on this cocktail - Gin & Tonic, the Highclere Way. Instead of garnishing with lime, a Highclere G&T is garnished with a fresh orange slice and sprig of rosemary, bringing out Highclere’s glorious estate-grown botanicals. Additionally, Highclere Castle Gin is a mixologist’s dream; our social media accounts post cocktail recipes on a regular basis from leading mixologists around the world, and Highclere’s signature cocktails have a permanent place on our website. Thousands of restaurant and hotel accounts are serving Highclere Castle Gin in unique and delicious cocktails, exposing new customers to our brand on a daily basis. Additionally, customers who sign up for our mailing list receive The Butler’s Guide to English Cocktails featuring cocktails served at Highclere Castle by the head butler, Luis. • Supply chain issues have always been a reality to be dealt with when producing, manufacturing and shipping consumer goods, and these issues were certainly exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Highclere experienced a shipping delay late last year when a completed container of product was ready to be shipped from England to the US but was delayed due to the UK’s manpower shortage to load and unload cargo ships. The shipment has since arrived in the US. Given these new logistical realities, the Company has taken steps to ensure product runs are completed with more than enough time to spare in order to allow for such delays. Highclere has also formed relationships with multiple suppliers of its raw goods and materials to protect against shortages and delays. Thank you again for your thoughtful questions. We look forward to having you join us on this exciting journey as an investor.
- Q: Hi there how would investors make money thanks
  - A: Scott, Thanks for your interest in Highclere Castle Gin. Per the terms of the Company's operating agreement, crowd fund investors may share in profit distributions, which may be made from time to time at the discretion of the Company’s management, as well as in the event of a sale of the Company.
- Q: Looking at the financials, HC has raised 7,129,600 since 2018. HC did $895,000-ish in revenue 2020, has a net loss of $1.2 million in 2020, a net loss of $2.2 million in 2019, HC has $207,000 in cash, burns $200,000 a month in opex, has short term debt of $165,000, and doesn't own the IP of Highclere Castle (Name or Logo) which is it's most valuable asset and selling point. Are you able to renegotiate debt terms as the loan with The Great Bhakta Corp has gone from an original balance: $500,000 to $607,979 as of 03/10/2022. When is the short-term debt due? How does management get to a $45 million pre-money valuation? What is the breakeven point? Also, insiders have businesses benefitting from Highclere Castle, i.e., TMYC, INC (who is also an officer) and Wine Esquire, LLC (Owned and operated by Adam's wife). What's the plan to remove the conflicts of interest and drive efficiencies that have not yet been implemented? Thank you.
  - A: Patrick, Thanks for your careful review of the offering. We will respond to each of your comments/questions in turn. 1. With respect to ownership of the IP, Highclere Castle Enterprises LLP (a different entity from the Company) will always own its intellectual property because it is the owner of Highclere Castle. There can be no use of the Highclere brand without Highclere’s permission. The truly significant asset is the exclusive license to use this valuable intellectual property, which the Company, Highclere Castle Spirit Investments LLC, holds. 2. With respect to the loan from The Great Bhakta Corp, the Company has not felt a need to renegotiate the debt terms at this point in time, but the lender is an advisor to the Company and the parties have a strong working relationship. We feel the lender would likely be amenable to renegotiation if the Company believed it to be necessary. 3. With respect to Company’s short-term debt, the $164,805 reflected in our details section accounted for the monthly operational expenses and accounts payable due as of year-end 2020; this amount has been paid. The concept of this type of “short term debt” is included in the approximation of the Company’s monthly operating expenses. 4. With respect to the pre-money valuation, the Company arrived at this number based on a detailed analysis of spirit brand acquisitions over the last decade using various ranges of multiples, while factoring in the Company’s projections, trajectory and the inherent tangible and intangible value of the brand as a whole. As is reflected in the Form C, however, the valuation and offering price for the securities offered have been determined arbitrarily by the Company. 5. The Company has forecasted breakeven in Q2-2024. 6. With respect to “insiders”, the offering lists several “related party transactions” which include agreements with officers and a spouse of an officer. The term “related party transaction” does not inherently mean the relationship is a detriment to the Company or automatically results in inefficiencies. To the contrary, these relationships have not only been efficient and essential for the Company’s launch and growth, but they have actually provided substantial cost-savings for the Company since all “related” individuals providing services to the Company do so for below-market compensation.
- Q: Is it possible to invest additional monies?
  - A: Hello Jane, The company is currently in a Series B funding round for accredited investors. If you'd like to learn more, please email Renee Lemieux, Chief of Staff at rlemieux@highclerecastlespirits.com.
- Q: How do I complete my investment online? Thank you.
- Q: Will I receive paperwork regarding my investment and or statements periodically?
  - A: Leilani, When you complete your investment through Wefunder you will electronically sign a Subscription Agreement which will contain details regarding the amount of CF Units you purchased. It has been Highclere's practice to regularly correspond with and update its investors about the Company's status and progress.
- Q: What are your marketing plans outside of Downton Abby's inevitable declining popularity given the show and movies have ended? HC needs an identity that stands on its own to attract consumer interest in the under-50 crowd who are not affiliated with American Public Television. HC is not a discount product for parties and needs to find its niche in the vast American gin market where there is no shortage of locally produced products available right on store shelves any time. Hendrick's gin has their seasonal limited availability products with a fun and quirky story. Aviator had Ryan Reynolds. Do you have this marketing competency in house or do you need to retain a US marketing expert to move beyond reliance on social media?
- Q: What is your DEI plan to intentionally seek, recruit, and hire executive positions across women and other marginalized groups in corporate leadership positions?
- Q: Do the shares come with voting rights? Thank you.
  - A: Patrick, Investors are purchasing CF Units which do not have voting rights. These units are fully described in the Company's Operating Agreement, a copy of which is available with the Form C filing on the SEC's EDGAR web site.
- Q: What class of shares are being purchased upon investment?
  - A: RJ, Investors are purchasing CF Units, which are described in the Company's Operating Agreement, a copy of which is available with the Form C filing on the SEC's EDGAR web site.
- Q: I want to invest, and want to become a brand ambassador. I do have some questions that I would prefer to ask privately, is that possible?
  - A: Hello Juviensky, Thank you for your inquiry. Due to CF regulations, all questions need to be answered on the message board here so that all our investors benefit from the information simultaneously.
- Q: What proof of shares will we have for this investment?
  - A: Cory, the amount of CF Units purchased will be evidenced by the Subscription Agreement you sign when you invest.