“Drop as rain, distil as dew”
The motto describes transformation in a few words. Water falls, vapour rises and liquid is refined: a cycle that matches the distiller’s work.
Reading the arms
Explore the arms
Select an element
Hover over the artwork, use the keyboard, or tap an element to learn about its meaning.
1. The shield
The blue shield is crossed by a silver, wave-like band representing water. Above it, the sun draws moisture from a cloud, from which drops fall. Below sits a golden double-armed still with silver worms and receivers.
Together, these elements show both the natural water cycle and the equipment used to concentrate and refine a spirit.
2. The crest
Above the shield is a sheaf of golden barley entwined with a green vine bearing grapes. The two plants represent materials long associated with the production of distilled drinks.
3. The supporters
Two human figures stand on either side of the shield. They belong to the historic heraldic design and are traditionally interpreted as references to overseas sources of grain and botanicals used by British distillers.
The precise original symbolism is not recorded with certainty. Any modern presentation should therefore distinguish clearly between the formal historic arms and later interpretation.
4. The motto
Drop as rain, distil as dew. The line links the Company’s identity to water, distillation and the transformation involved in the craft.
Use of the arms
The arms appear on the Company’s ceremonial and historic objects, including silver, the Beadle’s stave and commemorative decanter labels. Repeated over centuries, they connect the Company’s foundation with its life today.
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