Serving up fruit spirits from the hillside of Moel Famau

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ANGEL FEATHERS, Moel Famau

It’s been just over a year since I started the Leader’s trader features, and what a year.

There’s no denying this has been one of the hardest times for businesses across the country but at the heart of our local traders and producers has been an enormous sense of self belief and positivity.

And today’s subject in the spotlight is no different.

When Katharine Wilding started Angel Feathers, creating small batches of fruit-based gin and vodka in her 'micro fruitery', little did she know that only six months later, the entire nation would go into total lockdown.

But it certainly hasn’t held her back. We find out a bit more…

Ripe juicy apples in the Angel Feathers orchard.

They say location is everything, and with the business set on the slopes of the stunning Moel Famau, Katharine certainly has that.

But making gin, vodka and soon rum, in the hills of North Wales needs a dash more than scenery, as Katharine explains: “It’s often wet and windy, so I have to choose carefully what fruit I grow.

“It’s all limited edition fruit spirits, made with home grown or organic fruit - mandarins won't grow on Moel Famau!

“No added sugars, nothing artificial added. All made in my kitchen - level 5 hygiene rating - just yards from where I grow the fruit.

“I’m currently in collaboration to make gin truffles - with Aballu Truffles, in Rossett, Wrexham.

“Spirits are available from select independent retailers in Denbighshire and Flintshire and online.

“My passion has always been good quality, organic when possible, local foods. So I've set my business up with the same values.”

Katharine’s commitment to quality doesn’t stop at the fruit.

She said: “I'm extremely proud of the fact that I became a Plastic-Free Business Champion for Mold Plastic Reduction in 2019.

“As a person I've always tried to limit my impact on the environment, so when setting up a business it was a priority of mine to be working towards the same goals of sustainability, not only reducing plastic but reducing all waste.”

Katharine’s sense of community and being able to play her part in making a difference is something that carries throughout her business, and during lockdown it led to her starting a partnership with St Kentigern Hospice, in St Asaph.

The beginning of the rhubarb harvest for Angel Feathers.

She explains: “We met not only due to the nature of my business but the name 'Angel Feathers'.

“Sadly we haven't been able to do much during lockdown but I'm looking forward to when we can hold gin events at Caffi Cariad in St Asaph.

“People often ask about the name and the feather on the bottle. The colours in the feather are representative of the four main fruits that I grow - rhubarb, tayberry, blackcurrant and apple.

“Angel Feathers are a symbol of love and are often thought to represent protection and guidance from your guardian angel.”

And if you believe in such things, Katharine certainly has someone looking out for her.

As we’ve been coming out of the most recent bout of restrictions, there seems to be a sentiment of supporting local, and with that small businesses are doing what they can to lift each other.

And as a result, Angel Feathers is in demand, with venues across the region eager to stock regionally produced goods.

Finally Katharine adds: “I love to make up cocktails with my spirits and share them across my social media platforms and with my customers and stockists.

“Getting ready for the circular economy in Wales I already offer a bottle return scheme to my hospitality customers, which has been well received.

“I'm currently offering to donate £1 to St Kentigern Hospice for any bottles that individuals return - to We Three Loggerheads, Swans Farm Shop and of course St Kentigern Hospice.

“I'm also offering a £5 donation to St Kentigern Hospice for every standard bottle of Blackcurrant or Rhubarb Gin bought from my website.”

Whether it’s so drool over the gorgeous photos of the beautiful setting of where Angel Feathers starts or Katharine’s cocktail creations, or you’re hosting a garden party with those you’ve missed and want something a bit special, supporting local really is a win win for everyone.

Cheers!

• Angel Feathers

Website - angelfeathers.co.uk

Twitter and Instagram - @RealFruitSpirit