Riflemen

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.