Where To Find Ireland's Best Gin

shop.ie Editorial Teams

You need 3 min read

·

Post on Mar 15, 2025

32 visitor like this post

Share

Where to Find Ireland's Best Gin: A Spirited Guide

Ireland's craft gin scene is booming, offering a diverse range of gins with unique flavour profiles. Forget the mass-produced stuff; Ireland's distilleries are crafting exceptional gins using locally sourced botanicals and innovative techniques. But with so many options, where do you even begin your exploration of Ireland's best gin? This guide will lead you on a spirited journey to discover some of the finest gins the Emerald Isle has to offer.

Exploring Ireland's Top Gin Distilleries

Ireland boasts a growing number of craft distilleries, each with its own unique story and gin offerings. Here are some of the key players in the Irish gin revolution:

1. Dingle Distillery:

• Location: Dingle, County Kerry
• Gin Highlight: Dingle Gin – known for its fresh, citrusy notes and smooth finish. Their Old Tom Gin is also a must-try.
• Why it's special: Located in the picturesque town of Dingle, this distillery uses locally foraged botanicals, showcasing the best of Kerry's natural ingredients. Their commitment to quality and sustainable practices shines through in every bottle.

2. Glendalough Distillery:

• Location: Glendalough, County Wicklow
• Gin Highlight: Glendalough Wild Botanical Gin – a complex and aromatic gin with a distinctly Irish character.
• Why it's special: Nestled in the stunning Glendalough valley, this distillery draws inspiration from the surrounding landscape. Their gins are known for their bold, herbal notes and impressive depth of flavour.

3. Irish Artisan Distillers (JJ Corry):

• Location: Dublin
• Gin Highlight: JJ Corry Donegal Dry Gin – a classic London Dry style with a contemporary twist.
• Why it's special: This Dublin-based distillery crafts a range of high-quality gins, emphasizing traditional methods and a dedication to quality ingredients. They are renowned for their commitment to creating unique and flavourful gins.

4. The Shed Distillery:

• Location: Drumshanbo, County Leitrim
• Gin Highlight: Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin – a unique gin infused with gunpowder tea.
• Why it's special: This distillery in County Leitrim is celebrated for its innovative approach to gin-making. They experiment with unusual botanicals, resulting in gins that are both surprising and delightful.

Where to Find and Enjoy Ireland's Best Gin

You can find these fantastic gins in a variety of locations:

• Direct from the Distillery: Many distilleries offer tours and tastings, allowing you to sample their gins directly from the source. This is a fantastic way to learn about the gin-making process and appreciate the unique story behind each bottle.
• Specialist Off-Licences: Look for well-stocked off-licences (liquor stores) that specialize in craft spirits. They are more likely to carry a wider selection of Irish gins.
• High-End Bars and Restaurants: Many upscale bars and restaurants across Ireland feature Irish craft gins on their cocktail menus. This is a great way to sample different gins in creative and delicious cocktails.
• Online Retailers: While buying online may not provide the same experience as visiting a distillery, it does provide access to a wide range of Irish gins if you are unable to visit Ireland in person. Always ensure you purchase from a reputable retailer.

Beyond the Bottle: Exploring the Irish Gin Experience

Beyond the exceptional taste of Irish gin, the experience itself is crucial. Take the time to savor the unique character of each gin, noting the subtle nuances of flavour and aroma. Consider pairing your gin with quality tonic water and a simple garnish to complement the botanicals. And don't hesitate to ask for recommendations from knowledgeable bartenders or distillery staff – they can offer invaluable insights into the world of Irish gin.

So, raise a glass to the exciting world of Irish craft gin! With its diverse range of flavours and commitment to quality, Ireland's gin scene offers a truly unforgettable experience for any gin lover. Explore the distilleries, sample the gins, and discover your new favourite Irish gin.