Two of the region’s top visitor attractions have launched their own gins, with the spirits drawing on the heritage of their sites.
Alnwick Garden has launched a Poison Garden Gin which is distilled using fruits from its medieval Medlar tree. Fruits from the tree, which are typically harvested in December and once offered one of the few sources of sugar available at that time only become edible when they are overly ripe.
The Garden - whose Poison Garden section hosts more than 100 toxic and mind-altering botanicals - has worked with Durham Distillers to produce the gin which, despite its name, is entirely safe to drink.
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Head distiller at Durham Distillery, Ioanna Chatzi, said: “The hand-crafted gin is completely safe to drink and is best served with high-quality tonic water to allow the spirit’s unique flavours to shine through. In terms of garnish, either a slice of apple or a squeeze of lemon works to highlight the gin’s floral notes and balance out its woodier undertones.
“This was an exciting project to be involved in and one-of-a-kind so we are delighted to have been able to collaborate with The Alnwick Garden to produce something so unusual.”
Durham Cathedral has also worked with Durham Distillery to produce Durham Cathedral Monks’ Gin, which has been inspired by historical records of a gin distillery which was once situated in the cathedral grounds and by the botanicals used by Monks in the 14th and 15th Century. The gin - which has flavours of pear and citrus, spiced with pepper and cinnamon - was produced after research was carried out using a range of records from the cathedral’s library and archives to discover the botanicals once used by Monks. A cocktail recipe and a gin and tonic combination to accompany the Monks’ Gin have also been created.
The Reverend Canon Dr Philip Plyming, Dean of Durham, said: “Our historic records show that Monks living in this special place hundreds of years ago would have made their own alcohol, so we’re pleased to have been able to work with local suppliers and artists, celebrating the good gifts from God’s creation to make this unique item for the cathedral shop.”
