Get in the Christmas Spirit – the best handcrafted spirits in the north
by Northern Life
‘Tis the season to be merry so get merry with our selection of the very best spirits! Here in the north, we have a wealth of independent drink producers. From stunning gins to unique vodkas, there is guaranteed to be a handcrafted spirit to get you in the festive mood. Here’s our pick of the best the north has to offer – you’ll soon be in the Christmas spirit!
Spitfire Heritage Distillers
Producing Gin fit for the Queen!
Distilled in the ‘heart of Blighty’ in hand beaten copper stills housed in a stunning 300 year old barn next to a duck bond, this gin doesn’t get any more British! The gin was born out of the Spitfire Heritage Trust when they received an invitation to present a Tribute Spitfire to King Letsie III in November 2016. Needing a product worthy of the Spirit of Spitfire and something quisentially British, founder Ian chose gin – a spirit that was in the home of most officer’s and that the girls of the ATA were known have carried a snifter of gin as part of their kit bag!
Now, the gin is the tipple of choice for thousands including HRH Queen Elizabeth II! Including rosemary for remembrance, borage for courage, blood orange for the fallen and English rose petals for the ladies of the ATA this is a stunning 1930’s retro gin that is delicious, full of heritage and is sure to have your guests begging for more! Really want to impress your guests – take a look at their other spirits – we love the Supermarine Vodka too!
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Campbell’s of Leyburn
Producing their very own gin!
To celebrate 150 years of trading, Campbell’s of Leyburn have created their very own gin! Distilled in Yorkshire by the Yorkshire Dales Distillery, this decadent gin is made using natural mineral water from Swaledale. This is a true northern gin with a fine blend of fresh and citrus flavours and local herbs that are partnered beautifully with traditional Yorkshire honey and fresh, local heather to create a dry London gin with a unique, full flavour. Whether you like your gin on the rocks, with a classic tonic or in an exciting cocktail, Campbell’s of Leyburn gin is guaranteed to be a hit!
However, Campbell’s of Leyburn don’t just sell gin! From fine wines to exotic foods to a range of Costcutter products to stretch a family budget, Campbell’s is your one stop family food and drink emporium supplying the very best Yorkshire produce. So, why not pop in and explore their wines, cheeses, fruit, vegetables and award winning butchers when you pick up your bottle of Campbell’s of Leyburn gin?
If you’re looking for a true northern gin with locally sourced ingredients that’s sure to stimulate the senses and impress your guest – this is our pick!
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Batch Brew
Producing Gin, Rum and Whisky
Batch Innovations are limited edition spirits, handcrafted in Burnley, Lancashire. Each month its club members receive a 70cl bottle of spirit. Gin is usually the spirit of the month, but the distillery also sends out the occasional bottle of Batch Rum or their unique Botanical Blends. Members of Batch Innovations also earn rewards points each month for simply being a subscriber and for things like their birthday or for referring a friend. Batch rewards points can be used to purchase exclusive, limited edition products in a members-only online store. This includes products such as Batch USA Breakfast Rum, spiced with pecan nuts, maple syrup and blueberries.
Batch Director, Phil Whitwell says: “We kicked off Batch Innovations, our monthly spirits subscription, with a handful of members in January 2018 and have been amazed at how it’s grown. Our members love the range of spirits that come out of Batch Innovations. February’s Gin was even awarded Double Gold and Best Gin medals at the 2018 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.”
This accolade places Batch’s Industrial Strength Gin among the best gins in the world! Their unusual combination of Chinese botanicals in January’s release was also recognised, with Buddha’s Hand Gin scooping a Bronze Medal at the same competition. A version of this recipe is now being imported into China.
Busy planning his next releases, Head Distiller, Ollie, said: “Look out for more varied ingredients and more awesome surprises – a year of Innovations has opened my eyes and mind and we love to doing things a little creatively here at Batch!”
Pick up December’s Pear and Blackberry Gin using the code NORTHERNGIN at checkout for £10 off your first month as a member
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Zymurgorium Gin
Producing stunning spirits out of Manchester
Based in Manchester, Zymurogorium produce a huge selection of spirits. They are particularly famous for their gorgeous gins though that come in a wide range of unique and delicious flavours. Our favourite is the Sweet Violet Gin. The sweet violets give this gin a very unique, sweet and pastelly taste as well as a strong scene. It’s refined with over 20 other botanicals and is a floral gin that is reminiscent of Parma Violet sweets.
This gin is beautifully versatile and taste equally as good on it’s own, with lemonade or mixed with ice cream. We’ve even heard it’s good in baking and cocktails! One thing is for sure, no matter how you have it, your guests are bound to love it!
