Exploring the Best Irish Gins for a Taste of Ireland’s Distilling Excellence

Updated On: April 16, 2024 by   Maha Yassin

Ireland has been synonymous with the rich, malty flavours of its world-renowned whiskies for centuries. But a quiet revolution has been brewing recently, and it’s still not in a traditional copper pot. Irish gin is taking the spirits world by storm, captivating palates with its unique character and innovative use of local botanicals.

Irish gin often boasts a more nuanced flavour profile than its juniper-heavy London Dry Gin counterpart. Distillers are embracing the bounty of the Irish landscape, incorporating a wide range of botanicals that whisper of rolling green hills, rugged coastlines, and fragrant hedgerows. From the floral sweetness of elderflower to the earthy notes of heather and the unexpected tang of sea buckthorn, Irish gins offer a captivating exploration of the island’s diverse flora.

This guide delves into the world of Irish gin, highlighting some of the most exceptional examples currently gracing the shelves. We’ll explore the stories behind these gins, the botanical heroes that define their flavour profiles, and the spectrum of styles available. Whether you’re a seasoned gin enthusiast or just starting your exploration, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to discover your new favourite Irish tipple. So, raise a glass and prepare to embark on a journey through the vibrant and ever-evolving world of Irish gin!

Top Irish Gin Contenders

Ireland’s spirit scene isn’t just about whiskey anymore. A new wave of artisanal distillers is shaking things up, crafting gins that boast a unique character and depth, often drawing inspiration from the island’s rich tapestry of landscapes and botanical bounty. Irish gins frequently showcase a more nuanced flavour profile than their juniper-heavy London Dry counterparts. Forget the expected – these gins whisper of rolling green hills, rugged coastlines, and fragrant hedgerows, thanks to the innovative use of local botanicals.

Let’s embark on a journey to discover some of the top contenders in the world of Irish gin, each offering a distinct expression of the spirit:

Dingle Gin (County Kerry)

Adorned with the prestigious title of “World’s Best Gin” from the 2019 World Gin Awards, Dingle Gin hails from the rugged beauty of County Kerry. Their secret lies in a meticulous 48-hour botanical infusion process, followed by distillation through a vapour basket. This allows the unique character of each botanical to shine through in the final product. Dingle Gin boasts a complex flavour profile, where the juniper backbone is beautifully woven together with the essence of the Irish landscape. Expect notes of sweet rowan berries, floral fuchsia, earthy bog myrtle, and heather, creating a truly unforgettable gin.

Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin (County Leitrim)

Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin from County Leitrim offers a bold and innovative experience for the adventurous gin enthusiast. This gin takes a unique approach by incorporating the smoky essence of Chinese gunpowder green tea alongside a vibrant mix of citrus botanicals. The result is a complex and intriguing gin, where the smoky gunpowder tea mingles with zesty orange peel, grapefruit, and lemon, creating a layered flavour profile that is both unexpected and delightful.

Glendalough Wild Botanical Gin (County Wicklow)

Nestled in the heart of County Wicklow, the Glendalough Distillery is renowned for its commitment to seasonality and locally sourced ingredients. Their Wild Botanical Gin truly reflects this philosophy, featuring a constantly evolving blend of botanicals foraged from the surrounding Wicklow Mountains. This unique approach results in a gin that captures the essence of each season. Expect a juniper, coriander, and citrus base intertwined with surprising elements like rosehips, hawthorn berries, and alexander seeds. Each batch offers a slightly different flavour profile, making Glendalough Wild Botanical Gin a true celebration of Irish terroir.

Minke Irish Gin (County Cork)

Drawing inspiration from the wild Atlantic coast, Minke Irish Gin from County Cork boasts a unique coastal character. Its signature botanical is rock samphire, a salty, seaweed-like herb that infuses the gin with a distinct salty essence. This unexpected botanical is balanced by classic juniper and coriander, creating a refreshingly complex gin that evokes the feeling of the Irish sea breeze. Minke Gin is perfect for those seeking a gin with a genuinely unique and maritime flavour profile.

Shortcross Gin (County Down)

Nestled in Northern Ireland, Shortcross Gin is known for its focus on fresh, local ingredients. Their signature gin features a delightful blend of classic and distinctly Irish botanicals. Think juicy green apples, fragrant elderflowers and elderberries, and a touch of wild clover, all complementing the more traditional juniper and coriander. The result is a floral and fruity gin with a touch of Irish earthiness, offering a delightful and refreshing drinking experience.

Mór Irish Gin (County Tyrone)

This small-batch gem from County Tyrone shouldn’t be overlooked. Crafted with 11 carefully selected botanicals, Mór Gin offers a complex and layered flavour profile. The juniper backbone provides the foundation, while citrus peels and coriander add brightness. But it’s the unexpected botanicals that truly set Mór Gin apart. Look for cardamom, meadowsweet, and angelica root notes, which add spice and floral sweetness, creating a truly unique and intriguing Irish gin experience.

Exploring Irish Gin Diversity: Beyond the Contenders

While our spotlight has shone on some exceptional Irish gins, the true beauty lies in the spirit’s remarkable diversity. Distillers across the Emerald Isle are like adventurous chefs, crafting unique flavour profiles that cater to a wide range of palates. Let’s delve deeper into the exciting spectrum of styles available:

Classic Dry Gins: The Juniper Backbone

For those who appreciate the traditional juniper-forward character, Irish Dry Gins offer a satisfying experience. These gins often feature a clean, crisp profile with a prominent juniper base. Still, unlike their London Dry counterparts, they may boast a subtle hint of sweetness or earthiness from local botanicals. Brands like Jawbox Classic Dry Gin and Ha’penny Dublin Dry Gin are excellent examples, offering a perfect base for classic gin cocktails like a Gin & Tonic or a Martini.

Floral Delights: A Touch of Sweetness

Irish gins aren’t afraid to embrace floral notes, adding a touch of sweetness and complexity to the spirit. Look for gins infused with botanicals like rose petals, elderflower, or lavender. Glendalough Rose Gin is a delightful example, offering a subtle rose aroma that complements the juniper base. St. Patrick’s Elderflower Gin might be your perfect match for a more prominent floral character, with its delicate sweetness reminiscent of springtime meadows. Eglinton Galway Gin takes a unique approach, infusing violets alongside traditional botanicals, resulting in a fragrant and slightly sweet gin perfect for summer sipping.

A Celebration of Terroir: Unique Botanicals

The true magic of Irish gin lies in its exploration of unexpected botanicals. Distillers embrace the island’s diverse landscape, incorporating local ingredients to create unique flavour profiles. Listoke 1777 Gin from County Louth features rosemary and bog myrtle, offering a distinctly earthy character reminiscent of the Irish countryside. If you’re feeling adventurous, try An Dulaman Irish Maritime Gin, where coastal botanicals like sea buckthorn and bladderwrack infuse the spirit with a taste of the Irish sea, creating a salty and refreshing experience. Míl Gin from County Meath takes inspiration from the nearby Hill of Tara, incorporating meadowsweet and heather for a floral and slightly honeyed character.

Beyond the Expected: Experimentation and Innovation

Irish distillers are constantly pushing boundaries, experimenting with unusual flavour combinations. The Shed Distillery’s Gunpowder Gin (not to be confused with Drumshanbo Gunpowder Gin) takes a bold approach, incorporating Szechuan peppercorns alongside classic botanicals, resulting in a gin with a lingering warmth and a touch of spice. Bertha’s Revenge Irish Milk Gin from County Cork breaks all the rules, using lactose sugar during distillation to create a creamy and smooth gin with a hint of sweetness, perfect for those who find traditional gin a bit too harsh.

This is just a glimpse into the ever-expanding world of Irish gin. The possibilities are endless, with new distilleries popping up and innovative botanical combinations being explored. So, the next time you’re looking for a spirit with character and depth, consider venturing beyond the familiar and discovering the magic of Irish gin.

Sipping and Serving Irish Gin: Unlocking the Flavors

Having explored the captivating world of Irish gin, from its top contenders to its diverse styles, it’s time to delve into the delightful act of enjoying this spirit. Whether you’re a seasoned gin lover or a curious newcomer, this section will equip you with the knowledge to unlock the full potential of your favourite Irish gin.

The Perfect Gin & Tonic: A Tailored Approach

The classic Gin & Tonic is a timeless pairing, but with Irish gin’s diverse flavour profiles, a one-size-fits-all approach simply won’t do. Here’s where the beauty of exploration comes in:

• Classic Dry Gins: For juniper-forward gins like Jawbox or Ha’penny, opt for a high-quality Indian tonic water that won’t overpower the botanicals. A simple lime wedge garnish will perfectly complement the clean and crisp profile. Consider using chilled, high-quality tonic water with a subtle citrus or peppery note to add a touch of complexity without masking the juniper backbone.
• Floral Gins: Floral gins like Glendalough Rose or Eglinton Galway benefit from more floral tonic water. To enhance the floral notes, consider garnishing with a sprig of fresh rosemary or rose petals. Explore artisanal tonic waters infused with elderflower, lavender, or rose for a harmonious pairing.
• Unique Botanical Gins: Experiment with flavoured tonic waters when exploring gins with unexpected botanicals, like Listoke 1777 with its earthy notes or An Dulaman with its coastal character. A citrus or grapefruit tonic can complement earthy notes, while a cucumber or rosemary tonic can beautifully accentuate coastal botanicals. Don’t be afraid to get creative and find the perfect pairing that highlights the unique flavours of your chosen gin. Consider using light tonic water if the gin boasts a complex flavour profile, allowing the botanicals to take centre stage.

Creative Cocktails: Exploring New Horizons

While the Gin & Tonic is a classic, Irish gin shines in various cocktails. Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

• Bramble: This delightful cocktail combines gin, lemon juice, sugar syrup, and crème de mûre (blackberry liqueur). Its sweet and tart notes perfectly complement the complex flavours of Irish gin. For an extra summery flair, garnish with a muddled blackberry or a sprig of mint.
• Gin Fizz: A refreshing and effervescent option, Gin Fizz combines gin, lemon juice, sugar syrup, and soda water. For a touch of elegance, garnish with a maraschino cherry or a wedge of lemon. For a frothier texture, experiment with egg white, creating a delightful textural contrast to the fizz.
• Irish Mule: For a twist on the classic Moscow Mule, swap out the vodka for Irish gin and add a splash of ginger liqueur. Garnish with a slice of fresh ginger for a spicy kick.
• For the Adventurous: Don’t be afraid to experiment with your creations! Irish gin’s diverse flavour profiles lend themselves well to various ingredients. Explore substituting Irish gin in classic cocktails like a Negroni or a French 75, or use it as a base for inventing your signature drink. Consider incorporating seasonal fruits and herbs to create unique flavour combinations.

Remember: When creating your cocktails, use fresh ingredients and high-quality mixers to allow the unique flavours of your Irish gin to shine through. Experiment with different ratios and garnishes to discover your perfect balance.

By following these tips and letting your creativity flow, you’ll be well on your way to unlocking Irish gin’s full potential and enjoying its endless possibilities. So, raise a glass, explore the ever-evolving world of Irish gin, and discover your new favourite tipple!

A Toast to the Emerald Isle’s Gin Revolution

The world of Irish gin has unveiled itself as a vibrant tapestry of flavours and innovation. From the award-winning contenders to the diverse styles reflecting the island’s unique terroir, there’s an Irish gin waiting to be discovered for every palate. Whether you crave the classic juniper backbone or seek a gin infused with the essence of the Irish coast, there’s an adventure waiting for you in every glass.

So, the next time you’re looking for a familiar and exciting spirit, consider venturing beyond the expected and delving into the world of Irish gin. Raise a toast to the Emerald Isle’s distillers, who push boundaries and craft gins as captivating as the landscapes that inspire them. Remember, the exploration has just begun – with new distilleries emerging and creativity flourishing, the future of Irish gin is brimming with exciting possibilities. So, grab your favourite Irish gin, experiment with cocktails, savour it neat, and embark on your journey through this dynamic and ever-evolving spirit. Sláinte!