Collection: Norfolk Gin

Discover gin made in Norfolk by independent distilleries across the county – from classic dry gins built around juniper to contemporary, citrus, floral and fruit-led expressions.

Norfolk has developed a wonderfully diverse collection of independent gin producers, each with its own approach to botanicals, distillation and flavour.

That means there isn't really one definition of what Norfolk Gin should taste like. Some distillers take their inspiration from the landscape and ingredients around them; others put their own Norfolk interpretation on established gin styles.

The result is a collection with considerably more variety than you might expect.

What does Norfolk Gin taste like?

All gin begins with juniper, but from there the possibilities are enormous.

Alongside the familiar piney, resinous character of juniper, you might encounter citrus peel, coriander, herbs, flowers, spices and fruit, depending upon the botanicals selected by the distiller.

Some Norfolk gins are deliberately crisp, dry and juniper-forward. Others emphasise citrus, floral or herbaceous characteristics, while flavoured gins can take things in an altogether fruitier direction.

That's why choosing gin is often about discovering which combination of botanicals appeals to you.

What are gin botanicals?

Botanicals are the plant ingredients used to give gin its aroma and flavour.

Juniper must be the defining flavour, but distillers can combine it with an extraordinary range of other ingredients.

Common botanicals include coriander seed, angelica root, citrus peel, orris root, cardamom and other herbs and spices, while individual distillers may introduce much more unusual ingredients to create their own signature.

Changing just one botanical – or simply altering the proportions – can make a remarkable difference to the finished gin.

It's part recipe, part distillation and part the individual style of the person making it.

What is London Dry Gin?

Despite the name, London Dry Gin doesn't have to be made in London.

London Dry describes a method and style of gin rather than its geographical origin.

The botanicals are distilled with the spirit, and there are strict limitations on what can be added afterwards. The result is typically a dry, clean gin in which juniper and the chosen botanicals remain at the heart of the flavour.

So a London Dry Gin can quite legitimately be distilled here in Norfolk.

What's the difference between dry gin and flavoured gin?

A traditional dry gin generally puts juniper and its supporting botanicals at the centre of the experience.

Flavoured gin introduces a more pronounced additional flavour – perhaps fruit, citrus, herbs or another ingredient – which can substantially change its character.

Neither is inherently better. If you enjoy a classic G&T where juniper remains obvious, start with a dry gin. If you prefer something softer, fruitier or more unusual, explore the flavoured styles.

How do I choose a Norfolk Gin?

Think first about the flavours you normally enjoy.

For a classic G&T, look for a dry, juniper-led gin.

If you enjoy something fresh and bright, look for citrus botanicals.

For something softer and more aromatic, floral or herbaceous gins can be particularly interesting.

And if you're buying gin as a gift, a bottle produced by an independent Norfolk distillery adds something that a mass-produced international brand can't really provide – a connection to the place where it was made.

How should I serve Norfolk Gin?

A classic gin and tonic is the obvious starting point, but don't allow the tonic and garnish to overwhelm the gin itself.

A good-quality tonic, plenty of ice and a simple garnish that complements the botanicals is often all that's required.

Gin is also the foundation of some of the great classic cocktails, including the Martini and Negroni, giving you another way of discovering the differences between individual Norfolk gins.

Gin made in Norfolk

Our Norfolk Gin collection brings together bottles from independent distilleries across the county, from classic dry gins to contemporary botanical and flavoured expressions.

The producers and individual gins available will change over time as distillers introduce new recipes, seasonal editions and limited releases.

So whether you're looking for a bottle for a G&T, cocktails, a gift or simply want to discover what Norfolk's distillers are creating, explore our current selection of Norfolk gins below.