You can’t walk into a bar or pub in Norfolk without seeing the distinctive handcrafted and recyclable ceramic bottles of Norfolk Gin. Launched in 2015, Norfolk Gin was at the very beginning of the Gin revolution and paved the way for many other local producers in Norfolk. We are super excited to be chatting to the dream husband/wife team, Jonathan, and Alison – let’s be-GIN!
Tell us a little about the ethos/thinking behind Norfolk Gin?
We are a small family business and love working with other small and independent businesses locally, keeping the impact on the climate low. Our bottles are returned and reused, and the Farmyard gets free full ones as a thank you.
Our philosophy is that you should only need one good gin. Surround that with cordials, vermouth, liquors.
and good quality mixers, some sparkle and flavoursome garnishes and you can make hundreds of great drinks and cocktails.
Jonathan and Alison of Norfolk Gin
Where are you based and how long have you been operating?
We are based in Norwich and launched in 2015. We spent 18 months experimenting and in that time the gins varied from awful to okay to rather good!
Last year we hit a record production of 10,000 bottles, yet amazingly, we still operate out of our home. We are the classic kitchen table business.
We started in the garage and now also have a large shed and a 20ft Shepard hut in the back garden. These act as office, store and packing station.
What makes Norfolk Gin unique?
Using the bathtub method, Norfolk Gin features a unique combination of fragrant botanicals prepared by hand – fresh juniper aromas and herbal scents, balanced with a touch of spice, hints of sweetness and fragrant citrus which are slowly steeped in the ‘bathtub’. Many of the herbs and spices are grown in our garden. It’s this gentle method gives Norfolk Gin its irresistible flavour and its subtle straw-like colour.
The other added ingredient is music; we love music and serenade the gin with all manner of tunes while the botanicals are steeped. We’re convinced this adds to the soul of Norfolk Gin.
When did you start supplying Farmyard?
We started supplying the Farmyard in January 2018.
Why is buying local so important?
Local is best because supply chains are short, agreements are personal, not pages of legalese and the local economy benefits.
What is your favourite day out/place in Norfolk?
The beaches at Caister-on-Sea and Winterton are two of our favourites. However, we also love a cosmopolitan mooch around Norwich City too!
What is your favourite dish/drink using your product?
Our favourite serve is a simple Gimlet, or a Negroni. We love smoked salmon cured with Norfolk Gin.
Can you share a food/drink tip with our readers?
Our top tip is to keep your Vermouth, Campari and Gin in the fridge when making Negronis and for a party use a big jug to mix them in.
Thank you to Jonathan and Alison, we can’t wait to dust off our cocktail shakers! If you want to find out more about Norfolk Gin or buy direct, visit www.norfolkgin.co.uk