The newest offering in the gift shop has been created in partnership with local company, Durham Distillery, who are located a few minutes' walk from the cathedral. They create a range of spirits using both traditional and modern techniques, using locally-sourced ingredients.
At the start of the project research was carried out, using records from our library and archives, to discover the botanicals once used by monks, which date back to the 14th and 15th century. The new Monks’ Gin has flavours of pear and citrus, spiced with pepper and cinnamon.
Original manuscripts
Hannah Ellis, Head of Enterprise at Durham Cathedral says, “We’re delighted to have been able to make this product just in time for Christmas. The team working on it have taken inspiration from this historic place and the monks who once lived here to develop something truly unique. We’re sure it will be a popular addition to the cathedral shop this season as it makes an ideal gift - it's quirky, fun and rooted in the history of Durham Cathedral.”
The old distillery, known as the Gin Still, was located on the site of the cathedral's Infirmary. The Education Centre stands there today, welcoming hundreds of schoolchildren and their teachers each year.
The site, once used by monks to make alcohol, was visited by Durham Distillery, who then used botanicals from the centuries-old records to create a new gin recipe.
Hannah added:
“Knowing that there was a distillery onsite and that the Monks would have distilled their own alcohol, as well as having records of their ingredients and recipes, was an opportunity to celebrate this part of the cathedral's history."
Using their expert knowledge, Durham Distillery created a recipe card with a cocktail recipe and gin and tonic combination to accompany the Monks' Gin. You can find the recipe card next to the Monks' Gin in the cathedral shop.
Jon Chadwick, Managing Director and Founder of Durham Distillery commented:
“I have always loved Durham Cathedral, and growing up in Durham it has been a big part of my life. We had lots of fun creating Monks' Gin, including researching the original still belonging to the Infirmarer."
Quote from Jon Chadwick, Managing Director and Founder of Durham Distillery
The community around the cathedral and the Shrine of St Cuthbert may be different to the times of the Monks, but is no less vibrant and meaningful. This is one of the most rewarding projects we have ever worked on, and we are incredibly proud to be a small part of the life of the cathedral."
Jon Chadwick
Managing Director and Founder of Durham Distillery
The artwork for the Monks’ Gin was designed by a local artist and the label was inspired by original 13th century manuscripts that were used during the research phase.
The Reverend Canon Dr Philip Plyming, Dean of Durham said:
“Our historic records show that Monks living in this special place hundreds of years ago would have made their own alcohol, so we’re pleased to have been able to work with local suppliers and artists, celebrating the good gifts from God's creation to make this unique item for the cathedral shop.”
