Archangel makes a particularly straightforward statement about its gin:
It is made entirely in Norfolk.
Not imported and relabelled. Not simply given a Norfolk-inspired name. Archangel is produced on a working Norfolk farm using local labour and an increasing proportion of botanicals grown close to the distillery itself.
That includes juniper, verbena and sea buckthorn, while the finished spirit uses Walsingham Water.
But ingredients tell only part of the story.
Archangel's identity is also shaped by the Norfolk landscape, the history of its family farm and a connection to the county's monastic and religious heritage that is reflected in the rhythm of the working day itself.
This isn't Norfolk added to the marketing afterwards.
Norfolk is where the story starts.
Ora et labora – pray and work
The Archangel name makes rather more sense when you understand where the gin is made.
Norfolk's landscape is punctuated by medieval churches – reminders of a period when the county was among the richest parts of England, both economically and spiritually.
Archangel Distillery sits only around 100 yards from St Peter's Church in Dunton.
The connection isn't merely architectural.
Archangel continues the ancient monastic tradition of “Ora et labora” – pray and work. During the working day, the distillery observes the monastic hours of Lauds and Vespers.
Brewing and distilling have been associated with monastic communities for centuries, and Archangel has deliberately brought something of that tradition into a modern Norfolk farm distillery.
It makes the Archangel name considerably more than clever branding.
Gin grown on a Norfolk farm
Archangel Distillery forms part of a working Norfolk farm that has been cared for by the family for more than sixty years.
That agricultural connection is increasingly finding its way directly into the gin.
Every batch of Archangel contains locally grown juniper, harvested from bushes planted near the distillery.
In 2016, the farm planted a further 200 juniper bushes and 50 sea-buckthorn bushes, with the intention of increasing the proportion of locally grown botanicals used in the spirit as those plants matured.
Verbena and sea buckthorn also form part of Archangel's commitment to sourcing ingredients close to home.
For a gin produced in a county whose history has been shaped by agriculture, growing more of what goes into the bottle seems particularly appropriate.
What does Archangel Gin taste like?
Archangel is a rich, complex and full-bodied gin with juniper firmly at its heart.
Juniper comes through strongly on the nose, while verbena and orange peel bring lighter, zesty aromas.
Rootier botanicals and sea buckthorn add further complexity towards the finish.
Despite that depth, Archangel describes the gin as particularly smooth – substantial enough to stand up to tonic and complex enough to bring considerable character to a cocktail.
It can also be served very simply: well chilled with a curl of orange zest.
Why does Archangel use Walsingham Water?
There's another particularly Norfolk element in Archangel Gin.
The finished spirit uses Walsingham Water.
Walsingham has been one of England's most important pilgrimage destinations for centuries, so its inclusion feels particularly appropriate for a Norfolk gin whose identity already draws upon the county's monastic and religious history.
Archangel rather appropriately describes the result as its “heavenly gin.”
Where can I buy Archangel Gin?
You can buy the full Archangel range from The Norfolk Deli in Hunstanton, where we stock Archangel alongside spirits from independent producers across Norfolk.
You can also order Archangel here through our online shop for UK delivery.
So whether you've discovered Archangel while visiting Norfolk, are specifically looking for gin actually made in the county, or simply want to explore something rather different from the usual Norfolk gin story, you'll find our current selection above.
