Written by Matt Dicks, a WSET qualified Beers, Wines and Spirits Specialist for Waitrose
We’re spoilt for choice when it comes to food and drink from our wonderful part of the world. Local and regional produce is often in the spotlight with consumers keen to support products grown and produced in the close vicinity of where they live.
Visit your local farm shop and you’re immediately taken back by the array of food and drink available to us, from chutney to cider and bread to beer, there’s something for everyone.
Time for a road trip and where better to sample some of the delicious delights we have to offer here in the eastern counties than with a visit to awesome new Deli located in the iconic Jarrold department store in the heart of Norwich city centre? Rest assured, pay them a visit and you won’t be leaving with an empty stomach! Don’t know where to start? Here’s a selection of delicious East Anglian tipples well worth adding to your shopping list:
Nelson’s Gold Caramelised English Vodka, Norfolk
Here’s a treat, which even Lord Nelson himself would be impressed with. This decadent delight is produced amongst the sun-kissed fields of Norfolk using barley grains to make the base spirit. Enticing caramel produced from local sugar beet is then blended and the result is a delicious treat to share with friends.
Wild Knight Premium English Vodka, Norfolk
Described as ‘liquid silk’, this pleasurable vodka is produced using from water drawn from historic chalk aquifers, which run under the eastern counties. Distilled with a focus on purity with a clean, crisp taste, this Gluten free vodka is the perfect tipple to sip and savour.
Elgoods Black Dog, Cambridgeshire
Here’s a rich and pungent beer to warm the soul on a cold day. This award-winning cask conditioned ale is full of roasted malt flavours. Enjoy as a refreshing tipple but it’s also perfect for adding to stews and casseroles to enhance the flavour of the dish.
Winbirri Vineyards Vintage Reserve, Norfolk
Following in the footsteps of their Bacchus success, here’s a fabulous fizz to try. Pale gold and showing great clarity with tiny bubbles. The palate displays finesse, along with citrus fruit freshness and toasty notes, leading into a creamy seductive balance and finish.
Aspall Pernolles Blush Cyder, Suffolk
This delicious cyder from Suffolk is named after Grandmother Perronelle who spent many happy hours foraging amongst the hedgerows surrounding the orchards for blackberries. Bursting with the aromas of a freshly baked apple and blackberry pie, serve over ice for the perfect midday treat.
Warner Edwards Harrington Elderflower Gin, Northamptonshire
Inspired by founding partner Tom’s mother Adèle, this gin only uses fresh, handpicked elderflowers from their farm, which are harvested just once a year and come from field to bottle in just a few hours. It’s delicately fragrant and smooth, perfect for an afternoon in the sun!
Giffords Hall Vineyard Rosé, Suffolk
Filled to the brim with distinct aromas of roses, white peach and wild strawberry notes on the nose. On the palate it’s fresh with red berry flavours and a touch of pink grapefruit. Delightful as an aperitif but also a wonderful accompaniment to freshly cut tuna steak.
For more wine tips follow Matt on Twitter @vinopatrol
