A shrine that has been visited by millions of pilgrims since 1061 when the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus, appeared to Richeldis de Faverches, “A noble wydowe, somtyme lady of this towne, called Rychold, in lyvynge full vertuous” [Pynson Ballad]. Richeldis was instructed to build a replica of the Holy House of Nazareth in honour of the Annunciation, the moment when the Archangel Gabriel told the
Virgin Mary that she was to be
the mother of Jesus. Pilgrims have visited the site in honour of Our Lady ever since. The monastic tradition of keeping the inns supplied with refreshments for pilgrims and travellers to Norfolk is a tradition that the duo behind Archangel Distilleries has revived. To make their gin, Jude and Peter use the ‘pot & column’ distillation method with the finest botanicals, from both Norfolk, and from
more exotic climes, blended to a carefully crafted recipe. The gin is made entirely in Norfolk, not imported and ‘improved’. Archangel is a rich, complex gin bursting with exciting flavours. On the nose, the juniper, some of which is locally grown, floods through;
the verbena and orange peel add a light, zesty fragrance to the top notes with rooty botanicals including cinnamon, cloves, ginger and cardamom breaking through at the finish. Both gin and vodka are full bodied, deliciously smooth, and mix refreshingly with tonic. When used in cocktails they add great sophistication and depth.
