In the Quantock Hills of Somerset, distiller Becky Wright makes Dryad Gin near Bridgwater, distilling, blending, bottling and finishing every bottle herself. She founded the business in 2021 and launched it in September 2022, naming it after the dryads of Greek mythology, tree spirits that live in and protect the oaks. The Quantocks, England's first designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, are known for their ancient oak woods. Its labels carry the words Somerset Tree Spirits, and Yule Spice comes in a 20 cl bottle at 40% ABV, tied with a red ribbon.

Citrus · Spicy · Herbal

This seasonal London Dry brings together whortleberries and juniper with pine needles, orange peel and a set of winter spices. The full list reads whortleberries, juniper, coriander, pine needles, orange peel, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, star anise, angelica and a dash of chilli. Whortleberries, the local name for wild bilberries, grow on the heathland of the Quantocks, which ties the recipe to the hills that inspire the brand.

Orange opens the nose, then pine sharpens the juniper with a resinous edge. The whortleberry adds a dark fruit note without turning the gin into a berry liqueur, while cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and star anise bring warmth and the chilli a faint glow on the finish. Angelica and coriander keep the London Dry base dry and structured. The recipe won in the Spiced Gin category of The Gin Guide Awards in 2025.

Served long and cold, it makes a clear winter gin and tonic rather than a mulled drink. An orange twist and a short pine tip are enough as a garnish. Start with a modest pour of tonic, since too much would hide the quieter whortleberry, and taste before adding more; the 20 cl size makes it an easy bottle to share over the holidays.