Words: Paul Chapman
Image: Hogg Norton
They only use British fruit and the plums come from Cutthorpe and gooseberries from Holymoorside so keeping it very local.
Like many successful businesses, Cutthorpe-based, Hogg Norton Fruit Liqueurs started as a pub conversation.
Adrian Hogg, from Cutthorpe, and Mike Norton, from Holymoorside, are friends who’ve met through involvement with Chesterfield Panthers Rugby Club, where their children play.
Adrian explains “We started making homemade liqueurs as a bit of a hobby and were being a bit creative with the products. We’d take them to BBQs and parties and ask people ‘would you like to try our new flavour we’re trying out?’. Eventually people started approaching us asking whether we had any those fruit liqueurs?"
“On one occasion, whilst we were tasting, debating and tasting a few more samples we started throwing the idea around that we should do this commercially.”
“This was about four years ago and since those beginnings we’ve developed an award-winning selection of fruit liqueurs that include; Blackberry, Gooseberry, Mixed Berries, Raspberry, Spiced Plum and Strawberry.”
“Things changed at the start of the year, we decided to take it up a level and give it a real go. We’d been attending food fairs and artisan markets, occasionally straying further afield than Derbyshire, but keeping the local market as a focus.”
“We decided to put our products forward for the Great Taste Awards and then took part in a local taste test to supply the new Morrisons store in Bolsover, this involved a panel of 250 tasters and Hogg Norton Fruit Liqueurs were selected for their shelves when it opens in November. They are keen to support local suppliers, which is fantastic news for us.”
“We’ve even had people from the taster panel seek us out since at fairs to buy our products.”
“Our aim is to produce the finest quality fruit liqueurs, so we use the freshest fruit which gives a great taste, and this has been recognised by our achievement of a ‘Great Taste Award’ this year”, says Adrian.
“Great Taste is the largest and most trusted accreditation scheme for fine food and drink, and it’s fabulous to have been awarded a one star. This means our products are ‘simply delicious and deliver a fantastic flavour’, the Great Taste logo is the sign people trust when buying food and drink and we are so proud to have won”, adds Mike.
Hogg Norton are proud to be using the best quality natural ingredients, with no additives or preservatives. All their products are gluten free, dairy free and vegan friendly. They only use British fruit and the plums come from Cutthorpe and gooseberries from Holymoorside so keeping it very local.
On my visit to their premises in Cutthorpe I was blown away by the professional set up and cleanliness, (they have a 5-star food hygiene rating), and the fruity scent from the batches was something else.
The samples I was given (yes, I know, it’s a hard life) were a delight, shared with friends over a camping weekend, and although I’m no connoisseur of fruit liqueurs were thoroughly enjoyed!
If you fancy giving the liqueurs a try, they are available in 50ml bottles for £4 (two shots), ideal for secret Santa presents, or larger eight bottle packs for more deserving friends at £28. Once you’ve decided on your favourite flavour, the 250ml bottles can be ordered for £18.50.
If you buy from the website and use code S40 Local or S41 Local up to 31st December 2019, you’ll get 20% off. Adrian or Mike may well appear on your doorstep to deliver the order - what’s not to like.
You can also pick up a bottle from local stockist, Londis at 622 Chatsworth Road, Cheese Factor in Chesterfield or the Brampton Brewery shop, as well as all the Hartington Cheese Shops or from local artisan markets and fairs.
For more info check out their website and follow Hogg Norton on social and be sure to let them know what you think … they love feedback.
Hogg Norton, Chesterfield
Search: hoggnorton on social media.
Comments