18th December 2020 | Life at Virgin Wines | 3 minute read
Our very own Distil:31 spirits range has had a serious makeover! Following the success of our Distil:31 Gooseneck London Dry Gin over the last few years, our Head Spirits Buyer, Dave Roberts saw an opportunity to expand the project into something much bigger.
The Distil:31 range now includes four outstanding craft gins – the original London dry, an Old Tom, a pink rhubarb and a sloe gin – and three delicious vodkas, including a fabulously festive toffee vodka.
Dave’s inspiration for the new range comes from where we’re located, here in lovely Norwich. At VW we’re lucky to have our HQ based in a beautiful Grade I listed mill dating back to the 1830s, which also, once upon a time, used to be a printing works. With so much history surrounding us, Dave wanted to pay homage to the wonderful St James Mill we call home.
With the help of expert distiller Richard Marsden, working out of a tiny base up in Yarm, Dave has come up with a brilliant selection of craft spirits, each with their own nod to the printers that once occupied St James Mill before we came along. From the Gooseneck London Dry Gin to the Flywheel Vanilla Vodka and Cylinder Head Toffee Vodka, you’ll find references to the techniques and machinery that would’ve been used at the printworks – all packaged up in bottles that have been influenced by the old building too.
For Dave, the plan is to keep expanding the range with new and exciting blends, so watch this space! But for now, you’ve got seven fantastic spirits to enjoy.
