Ten Hides was founded in 2019 by former army officer Andrew Wilson, who had spent time on Salisbury Plain during his service career - often very close to the earth and turf of this ancient grassland!  Vast chalk plateaux, rich flora and fauna, stunning views across the barley fields, and the cool, chalk-filtered water all influenced his original and very individual creations.

The business grew, adding limited edition gins to the range, and collecting unusual casks in which to mature the whisky. And now the range is gaining national recognition. In 2023, our dry and aromatic Ten Hides London Dry Gin won a coveted World Gin Award, and a year later our Spiced Rum, with its silky notes of vanilla and caramel, was awarded an accolade from Great Taste - the world’s largest and most trusted food and drink accreditation scheme.
We are delighted that this year our bitter-sweet  and gently spiced Orange Gin has also been recognised by this international body, and is now the proud winner of a 2025 Great Taste Award.

Today, Andrew Wilson is joined by a team of Wiltshire-based enthusiasts including MD James Brake and Elly Cheeseman, Commercial Director.  And our micro-distillery at Melksham’s Avonside – the new riverfront destination that is part of the town’s reviving cultural centre – hums with activity as demand increases for our products, with their proud Wiltshire heritage.

Our current range includes:

TEN HIDES LONDON DRY GIN - Aromatic with spicy notes & hints of flowers found on Wiltshire’s chalklands - a World Gin Award 2023 winner.

TEN HIDES PINK GIN - delicate pink with a fresh taste of wild strawberries.

TEN HIDES ORANGE GIN – - Mandarin, orange blossom & bergamot – the perfect citrus balance of sweet and sharp. Our latest Great Taste 2025 Award winner!

TEN HIDES SPICED RUM – Silky smooth with vanilla & caramel - a Great Taste Award 2024 winner.

Want to know more? Watch our short video:

Our Team

Founder Andrew Wilson

founder

Andrew Wilson

Former army officer, leader, snr commercial manager in the renewables industry, significant project management experience, passionate about spirits and Wiltshire produce.

James Brake Managing Director

managing director

James Brake

With 20 years of experience in high-end hotel and restaurant management across the UK and France, including the creation of a beautiful restaurant at Manoir de Longeveau near Cognac, James holds expertise in project management and quality as well as experience within cosmetic industry with ISO 22716.

At Ten Hides, these high standards are being applied to ensure consistent quality and prepare for future growth. The success so far has come from building exceptional, honest, and talented teams, who are ready to take the project to the next level.

Tagore Non Exec Director

non-executive director

Tagore Ramoutar

Cambridge graduate, co-founder and previously MD of The Oxford Artisan Distillery. Institute of Directors, director of the year (2019) for SME & start-ups. Sits on the Board of the English Whisky Guild.

Tom Haines Production Director

financial director

Tom Haines Bsc.(Hons), ACIB,CEng, MIMechE, MCIM,CeMAP

Tom was born and educated in Stratford-upon-Avon. He graduated in Mechanical Engineering, researching
applications for lasers shortly after their invention. Adding professional Banking and Marketing qualifications to Engineering, his career involved developing new products and businesses in the UK, Europe, North America and India. He subsequently spent 20 years as an executive in the mortgage industry, establishing new processes, applications and products.

Post retirement he is constantly seeking new outlets for his energy and experience. Don't get him started on motorcycles or Formula1!

Elly Commercial Director

head of commercial

Elly Cheeseman

Local business owner with over 20 years FMCG manufacturing experience working alongside Blue Chip retailers and brands.
Significant product management, financial and operational skill set, delivering product from concept to launch.