LEGENDARY trials biker Dougie Lampkin has admitted to a new favourite tipple.

The former trials and endurocross world-beater with countless honours to his name, including seven FIM trial world championships, has always enjoyed a lager or glass of wine when relaxing.

Now, however, the Silsden-born champion is likely to be spotted sipping either gold award winning Cotton Gin distilled in his wife’s fledgling Otterbeck Distillery. or Captain Sir Tom’s gin, also created by Nicola and her team in support of The Captain Tom Foundation.

Founded just five months ago, the distillery is a dream of Dougie’s wife, Nicola, and is located at the edge of the Yorkshire Dales at Bell Busk.

And she appears to have come up with the perfect formula after hitting the gold standard at the Gin Masters Spirits Business Awards ahead of 131 other gins which were blind tasted.

The distillery produces three gins, Cotton Gin, with a hint of citrus and pine, Winter Cotton Gin with spicy hues, and herby Captain Sir Tom's.

Captain Sir Tom Moore, originally from Keighley, stepped into the spotlight earlier this year after completing 100 laps of his garden at this current home in Bedfordshire. He raised over £32 million in aid of NHS Charities Together in the run-up to his 100th Birthday last April.

Dougie, who himself holds the Queen’s honour of MBE, said: “Captain Sir Tom and I have a mutual love for vintage motorcycles and have become great friends. When he asked if we could make a gin for him, we were thrilled.”

The resultant drink has been inspired by herbs grown in his childhood Yorkshire garden.

“When we asked him what was in his garden he said rosemary and thyme so we used these botanicals to create this special gin for him. The herbs’ notes make it perfect for a pre-Sunday lunch or a Christmas Dinner G&T,” said Nicola.

The partnership was officially announced recently on Otterbeck Distillery’s Instagram, where the Otterbeck team were joined by Captain Sir Tom himself to introduce the gin.

A run of 6,000 bottles will be produced initially.

Captain Sir Tom first met twelve-time Motorcycle Trials World Champion, and Dougie, co-owner of Otterbeck Distillery, whilst making the ITV film, ‘A Day in the life of Captain Tom.’

They discovered a mutual passion for the Yorkshire Dales and Vintage Motorbikes and a great friendship was made. The war veteran was keen to see Dougie’s collection of bikes at his home and whilst there took the chance to visit the Distillery, founded by Dougie, his wife Nicola and friends. Nicola added: “Captain Sir Tom joked he’d like to have his own gin one day – and after many a taste test and reminiscence about his childhood growing up in Yorkshire, Sir Tom’s gin was borne: a gin to celebrate family and friendships.

“For Captain Sir Tom, his family and Otterbeck Distillery, the gin provides a great opportunity to support wonderful causes as proceeds from every bottle sold will be donated to The Captain Tom Foundation.”

Nicola added: “It is an amazing privilege to be working with Captain Sir Tom and his foundation which supports some incredible charities; We’re delighted to be able to do our bit to help support such worthwhile causes.

“Captain Sir Tom has captured the imagination of the world and we’re proud to have distilled a very special gin with a very special man.”

Hannah Ingram-Moore, daughter of Captain Sir Tom added: “On behalf of Captain Sir Tom and family we are delighted to be in partnership with Otterbeck Distillery and sincerely look forward to our journey together.

“We feel an electric connection to Yorkshire so working with a gin based here is so special to us as we continue to build our family legacy and celebrate our heritage.”

Otterbeck Distillery’s Cotton Gin was inspired by the history of the couple’s home.

Nicola explained: “In the 18th century, a five storey cotton and silk mill was erected on the banks of the River Aire. Producing the finest quality yarn and silk. Powered by a small steam engine and water wheel. We wanted our gin to reflect the history of this stunning buildings beginnings therefore naming Cotton Gin after one of the machines used at this time.

“Taking centre stage is our magnificent hand engineered 450 litre copper still, Eliza, named after the mill owners wife. It is, in its own right, a piece of art.

The gin is distilled slowly with botanicals foraged locally from the hedgerows and moorland and blended with botanicals sourced from around the world.

Cotton Gin can be found at a number of outlets including:

The Wright Wine Company - Skipton

• Keelham Farm Shop - Skipton

• Town End Farm Shop - Airton

• Yorkshire Vintners Ltd - Ripon

• Grassington Wine Shop - Grassington

• The Milk Churn Farm Shop - Topcliffe Thirsk

• Broadley’s Bistro - Ilkley

• Rumagin Spirits - Otley

• Delicious Deli - Gisburn

• Maxey’s Farm Shop - Kirklington - Nottinghamshire

• Finns of Chelsea - Elystan St - London

• The Wine Cellar - Douglas - Isle of Man

The Angel Inn, at Hetton, has Cotton Gin as its house gin.

It is also available to purchase by mail order at: www.otterbeckdistillery.co.uk