Sky Wave

The former RAF Bicester base houses a distillery where travels became recipes. Sky Wave grew from the experiences of Rachel Hicks, a BBC journalist, and Andrew Parsons, an Army officer. Its name evokes the wide skies and seas of their adventures; both remain involved in production that connects the spirits with Oxfordshire and its ingredients.

Signature London Dry Gin sits at the center of the collection. Production takes place in small batches of up to 500 bottles, and the recipe was developed through months of testing. After distillation, Blenheim Palace natural mineral water is added. That process distinguishes a London Dry gin from the other flavored expressions in the catalog.

Raspberry & Rhubarb uses raspberries and rhubarb grown in Oxfordshire, without added sugar or coloring. Orange & Madagascan Vanilla combines fresh orange juice with Madagascan vanilla. Old Tom develops a slightly sweet, spiced style, while Liberation brings together nine botanicals. The range offers several paths from juniper toward fruit, citrus, or spices.

Vodka takes two directions: a triple-distilled version and Sea Breeze, which incorporates sea buckthorn berries and cranberries. Zero offers an alcohol-free alternative made with three citrus fruits and fresh ginger. Individual listings distinguish alcohol content, ingredients, and serving suggestions, a relevant separation when preparing drinks for people with different preferences.

Distillery visits, tastings, and cocktail classes bring the process closer to people who want to understand how a drink is made. The program includes experiences with the master distiller and virtual tastings. Gift vouchers can cover a visit, and the shop adds glasses, bottles, and accessories related to serving the spirits.

The indoor bar and shop are part of a visit to Bicester Motion. Access is through the main Buckingham Road entrance, with its barrier and guard hut; the distillery specifies that the airfield entrance on Skimmingdish Lane should not be used. From the main gate, visitors follow the central avenue for about 200 meters to reach Sky Wave on the left.

The business also offers bottle refills and contract distilling for other brands. This combination of production, shopping, and experiences provides several ways to understand it: a bottle for a home cocktail, a tasting explaining the botanicals, or a visit to the space where the recipe develops. Each format maintains Sky Wave’s connection with Oxfordshire and the scale of its batches.