Richard Hammond follows in James May’s footsteps as Grand Tour star takes on huge new career move
Richard Hammond has made a significant career move by entering the world of spirits, launching a new gin and whisky collection in partnership with Hawkridge Distillers.
The former Top Gear and Grand Tour presenter unveiled his debut products this week: Hammond’s Ratio London Dry Gin and Iron Ridge, a single malt English whisky.
Inspired by his connection to the Lake District, the gin blends local botanicals such as bilberries, wild gorse flowers, and honey, aiming to strike what Hammond describes as the perfect botanical balance.
It was developed at Hawkridge’s distillery in Berkshire.
The whisky, Iron Ridge, is matured in American bourbon casks and promises a flavour profile of vanilla, caramel, and smoke.
Hammond now joins his longtime co-hosts Jeremy Clarkson and James May in diversifying beyond motoring entertainment into the drinks industry.
James May launched his own line, James Gin, in 2021, distributed by Craftwork, while Clarkson’s Hawkstone beer brand has grown into a major operation with national retail partnerships and over 2,000 pubs now stocking the lager.
James Gurney, founder of Hawkridge Distillers, praised the collaboration with Hammond, noting, “Working with Richard has been a meeting of minds – his obsession with quality and storytelling aligns perfectly with our distilling ethos.
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“This isn’t about putting a name on a bottle. It’s about building a narrative, crafting flavour and doing something remarkable.”
The launch comes just as Clarkson has declared he will no longer pursue new business ventures.
In a recent interview with The Telegraph, Clarkson admitted that the pressures of running multiple operations – including his Hawkstone lager brand, the Farmer’s Dog pub, and his Amazon series Clarkson’s Farm – have become too much.
“I’m done with business now,” Clarkson said. “I am not starting another business as long as I live. I don’t understand it and am not motivated by money. I just want a good craic.”
Despite stepping back from expansion, Clarkson noted Hawkstone remains his most serious venture, describing it as “the grown-up element of the whole operation.”
“You have the farm shop, the pub and TV show, which are all entertainment. Hawkstone is grown-up as I have to go to board meetings where people talk in a foreign language,” he added.
The brand’s growth has been substantial, with revenues increasing from £7.8 million in 2024 to £21.3 million in the year to March 2025.
With Hammond’s latest launch, all three Grand Tour hosts have now made their mark on the alcohol industry.