Hammond Launches New Gin, Claims It’s Better Than Clarkson’s
Richard Hammond to Launch Gin “Better Than Jeremy’s” in Clarkson’s County
Richard Hammond, the much-loved former Top Gear and Grand Tour presenter, is preparing to unveil his latest venture — a premium London Dry Gin that he cheekily claims is “better” than co-star Jeremy Clarkson’s — right in Clarkson’s own Oxfordshire backyard.
Hammond will debut his Ratio London Dry Gin at the prestigious Salon Privé motoring event, held at the stunning Blenheim Palace in Woodstock from Wednesday, August 27, to Sunday, August 31.
A Return to a Favourite Venue
Speaking exclusively ahead of the launch, the 55-year-old television personality expressed his affection for the annual automotive celebration.
“Salon Privé creates a great atmosphere,” Hammond said. “It’s a lovely, party atmosphere which isn’t crazy or in your face — even if some of the cars are. It’s a fabulous place to see spectacular machines that have been part of our lives for decades. These cars have given us opportunities for expression, to tell the world something about ourselves. It’s a wonderful arena.”
Hammond will attend with The Smallest Cog, his classic car restoration business, which has appeared in its own documentary series. Alongside restored vintage vehicles, visitors can sample his brand-new gin, which is making its “hard launch” during the event.
A Friendly Dig at Clarkson
The choice of launch location is no coincidence. Hammond’s long-time co-star Jeremy Clarkson is well known for his Oxfordshire farm, Diddly Squat, which produces the Hawkstone range of beer, cider, and gin. Clarkson also serves these products at his local pub.
Hammond couldn’t resist poking fun at his friend and rival:
“It’s quite nice to do the launch in Clarkson’s county,” he grinned. “Mine’s a lot better, mostly because I drink the stuff — which does help. So there are plenty of reasons to come to the show, come see us, and try my gin.”
Crafted in Berkshire
Ratio London Dry Gin is the result of a collaboration between Hammond and Hawkridge Distillers, based in Berkshire. The partnership also produced Iron Ridge, a single malt English whisky.
James Gurney, Hawkridge’s founder, praised Hammond’s dedication to quality:
“Working with Richard has been a meeting of minds – his obsession with quality and storytelling aligns perfectly with our distilling ethos. This isn’t about putting a name on a bottle. It’s about building a narrative, crafting flavour, and doing something remarkable.”
The gin promises a carefully balanced profile, using traditional botanicals with a modern twist. While Hammond hasn’t revealed the full recipe, he insists the result is “spectacular” and suited both to sipping neat and to classic cocktails.
Cars, Cocktails, and Conversation
Visitors to Salon Privé will not only be able to sample Hammond’s gin but also see some of the rare and beautiful cars restored by The Smallest Cog team. These include classic marques from Britain and beyond, each with a painstaking attention to historical authenticity.
Hammond hopes the combination of automotive craftsmanship and artisan spirits will make his stand a highlight of the event:
“We’ll have a load of cars we’ve worked on, and beyond that there will be spectacular things you won’t see in many other places. Between the gin and the cars, there’s plenty to tempt people over.”
A Milestone Year for Salon Privé
The 2025 edition of Salon Privé marks the event’s 20th anniversary. Over two decades, it has grown into one of the UK’s most glamorous showcases for supercars, classic cars, and luxury lifestyle brands. Guests enjoy fine dining, Champagne, and exclusive shopping alongside the automotive displays.
Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, provides a dramatic backdrop for the event, with its landscaped gardens and baroque architecture adding to the sense of occasion.
Hammond’s Next Chapter
While Hammond’s TV career continues, ventures like The Smallest Cog and Ratio Gin reflect his entrepreneurial side. By launching in Oxfordshire — and playfully positioning his gin as “better than Jeremy’s” — he’s adding a dash of humour to a serious craft project.
With Salon Privé promising a mix of high-octane thrills, refined flavours, and a hint of friendly rivalry, this year’s visitors may leave with more than just photos of gleaming cars. They might also leave with a bottle of gin that, according to Hammond, outshines even Clarkson’s best efforts.
