A Wolds based drinks producer have harnessed the mineral water flowing up from ancient springs beneath their estate to create two distinctive – and very local – new gins.
Multi award-winning Raisthorpe Manor are using the special waters of the ‘Gypsey Race’ to create the company’s first Raisthorpe Distilled Dry Gin and Raisthorpe Oak-Aged Dry Gin.
The Race, a chalk stream that runs under the Raisthorpe Manor garden and through villages across the Yorkshire Wolds is thought to have mythical properties and, according to folklore, brings good luck to those who drink from it.
In 1632, the banks of the river were also said to have provided shelter for Queen Henrietta Maria as she protected herself from flying cannon balls during the English Civil War.
The crystal clear spring water is distilled in the traditional way by master distillers for the Raisthorpe Distilled Dry Gin, which is also infused with fresh botanicals and watercress, thought to have been farmed around the Gypsey Race floodplains around 100 years ago.
Already famous for its innovative fruit liqueurs, including a Damson Port and Sloe Gin, Raisthorpe Manor is also producing an Oak-Aged Gin After being infused with aromatic botanicals in the copper still, the gin is rested in whisky barrels to give it a smooth, mellow flavour with a hint of vanilla and spice.
“Our two new gins have been two years in development, and we are thrilled to see them finally come to fruition,” says Julia Medforth, who runs Raisthorpe Manor with husband David. “Like all our products, local and fresh ingredients are the key and it’s wonderful to be using water from the Gypsey springs on the Yorkshire Wolds and watercress to give the drinks that special Raisthorpe touch.”
The new gins are available to buy online at www.raisthorpemanor.com and at independent retailers throughout the region.