River Test Distillery - proud to be a sponsor at Trout ‘n’ About 2026
Sarah Nelson on the River Test Distillery stall at Trout ‘n’ About, in 2024
Entrepreneurs Jon and Sarah Nelson were both working as teachers when they first set up The River Test Distillery in a barn behind their village home.
Seven years on, they’re now the driving force behind a celebrated craft spirits brand that has become a favourite across the Test Valley and well beyond.
And they’re very happy to support Trout ‘n’ About.
“We feel like Stockbridge is our spiritual home,” says former primary school headteacher Jon.
“Our first stockists were The Little Whisky Shop, and The Grosvenor was the first hotel to make us their ‘house pour’.
“We’re also stocked in Thyme and Tides and The Three Cups, so Stockbridge has always been very special to us.
“Supporting a fantastic event like Trout ‘n’ About felt like a very natural thing to do.”
Master distiller Jon Nelson on the River Test Distillery stall at Trout ‘n’ About, in 2025
As a Rainbow Sponsor of Trout ‘n’ About 2026, River Test Distillery is a perfect Hampshire success story. It’s a brand that is deeply rooted in the landscape and character of the Test Valley.
Jon and Sarah started their business by drilling a bore hole in a field beside their barn in Longparish, drawing crystal-clear water from the chalk aquifer 25 metres below ground.
“The chalk water gives our gin a particularly smooth taste,” says master distiller Jon.
From there, they began experimenting with botanicals inspired by the Hampshire countryside around them, blending plants found along the riverbanks to create flavours unique to the River Test.
Meadowsweet, handpicked from their own meadow, is at the heart of their award-winning London Dry Gin. The barley used for their Chalkstream Gold Gin is also grown in the village.
Other local botanicals include rosemary, bay leaves and rose hips – offering what they call “the spirit of the River Test” in every bottle.
Jon and Sarah Nelson sampling the meadowsweet, near their home in Longparish
The distillery now produces around 14,000 bottles each year. Alongside its gin collection, the company also creates a spiced rum infused with riverside botanicals, as well as a trio of premium liqueurs that have already had enthusiastic reviews.
“We have a stall at local farmers’ markets and food and drink fairs most weeks of the year – and Trout ‘n’ About is one of our absolute favourites,” says Sarah.
“We’re really looking forward to bringing our gins, liqueurs and rum back to Stockbridge on August 2.”
Visitors to T’n’A 2026 can expect a little taste of Hampshire in every glass.
The River Test Distillery London Dry Gin, which won the award for England’s Best London Dry Gin in 2020