Ginspiration!
When it comes to tracking the zeitgeist, gin is most definitely in. In fact, recent research from Euromonitor International shows Ireland is now one of the world’s top ten gin-drinking nations. A testament to the impressive growth of gin in recent years, Irish consumers spent almost €83 million on gin in 2016 - an increase of 23% compared with 2015, writes Gillian Hamill
Print16 April 2018
Ireland’s gin renaissance has been in full swing in recent years, with manufacturers and consumers alike becoming more adventurous and experimental in terms of trying out different botanicals and taste profiles. According to the Alcohol Beverage Federation of Ireland (ABFI), the surge in the popularity of premium Irish spirits continued to drive export growth in 2017. In fact, last year saw a breakthrough for Irish gin, with 30 brands now on the market. The ABFI points out 2018 is set to see Irish gin going global, with exports expected to grow significantly in the US, Canadian, UK and German markets.
Overall moreover, Irish drinks exports rose by 8% last year to €1.5 billion. Bord Bia has likewise projected a positive outlook for the sector in 2018, driven by the ongoing growth trajectory of Irish whiskey, the popularity of premium brands and product innovation.
A report released last year by the Irish Spirits Association also showed the Irish spirits industry is undergoing vibrant growth, with the number of licensed spirits producers in Ireland doubling between 2014 and 2016.
According to the report, the majority of spirits consumed in Ireland (56%) are produced in Ireland. It found the remarkable surge in the popularity of gin is a key trend within the Irish market. Gin is the fastest growing spirits category among Irish consumers, growing by 31.6% in 2016.
While the report notes that the Irish market is dynamic and rapidly-changing, the overall consumption of spirits in Ireland has fallen by 19.2% over the past decade. While consumption of alcohol falls at home, the exports of Irish spirits are growing at an ever-increasing rate. The value of Irish spirits exports increased by 6.1% in 2016, to €805 million. Overall, the value of exports increased by 29% between 2011 and 2016, up from €624.27 million to €805.33 million.
What’s more, the Irish spirits industry is a major contributor to the Irish economy. Members of the Irish Spirits Association employ over 1,550 people in spirits production, sales and tourism, paying €88 million in wages. The Irish spirits industry purchases 316 million litres of fresh cream from Irish farmers, sourced from 46,000 dairy cows. Additionally, 85,000 tonnes of Irish malted and unmalted barley are purchased by the Irish whiskey industry every year.
Wild, foraged, distilled
The Botanist is a complex, floral gin of impeccable provenance
The Botanist Gin is a progressive exploration of the botanical heritage of the Isle of Islay. A total of 22 hand-foraged local botanicals delicately augment nine berries, barks, seeds and peels during an achingly slow distillation. The result: a highly distinctive, complex, floral gin with outstanding finish and impeccable provenance. In an age of re-badged industrial gins, the Botanist stands out as a truly artisanal, small-batch, hand-crafted labour of love and distiller’s art. A breath of botanical Islay in every glass. This first and only Islay Dry Gin is a rare expression of the heart and soul of the remote Scottish island home. For the ideal serve, fill a glass with plenty of ice and swirl around to cool the glass. Add 50ml of The Botanist gin. Top up with elderflower tonic and garnish with a wedge of lemon and a sprig of thyme.
Stocked in O’Briens, Celtic Whiskey Shop, Tesco Ireland and selected independents, The Botanist Islay Dry Gin is distributed by Barry & Fitzwilliam.
Sipsmith balances modern technology with traditional recipes and techniques
A sip of pleasure
Sipmsith London Dry Gin is an option worth checking out. Sipsmith makes its own spirits by hand in small batches; the team passionately believes this is the only way to handcraft spirits of this quality. Inspired by the two hundred years of London distilling history, Sipsmith balances modern technology with traditional recipes and techniques. All of the botanicals are carefully sourced from around the globe. Indeed, as Sipsmith Jared always says: “The best botanicals make the best gin – no way around it.”
Ten botanicals are used including Macedonian juniper berries, with key citrus ingredients, Seville orange peel and Spanish lemon peel – the former adding tartness and marmalade overtones, the latter a subtle brightness to the citrus and a hint of lemon tart. Chinese cassia bark and Madagascan cinnamon bark add sweet spiciness to the botanical blend, while Bulgarian coriander seed and Spanish ground almond bring mellow, peppery ginger and marzipan notes. The three roots, Belgian angelica, Spanish liquorice and Italian orris, act as binding agents that harmonise and allow the properties of the other botanicals to shine through, neutralising any bitterness. Each also brings its own characteristic to the mix: the long, dry finish of Sipsmith is provided by the angelica, its bittersweet undertone by the liquorice root, and the floral, fragrant note derives from the orris – the root of the iris flower.
For the perfect serve, fill a thin-rimmed highball glass up to the top with very cold ice cubes. Pour in a double measure, 50ml, of Sipsmith London Dry gin. Top up with tonic water to taste. Garnish with a wedge of fresh lime or a lemon twist.
Distributed by Barry & Fitzwilliam, this gin is stocked by Dunnes Stores, SuperValu, O’Brien’s and selected independents.
Unique flavour of London
A gin to be savoured, London Nº1 includes 12 carefully selected botanicals
The London Nº1 is a unique gin. It is all of the components that give The London Nº1 its singular character – the quality of the ingredients, the distillation method, the colour and the bottle’s design. Distilled in small batches in the heart of London, this gin’s unique flavour is the result of the quality of the raw ingredients used, as well as its distillation in pot stills (traditionally the only stills used for distillation in small quantities). The highest quality Suffolk and Norfolk grain is used in distillation and the small batch “pot still” method ensures a consistent quality.
Finally, the inclusion of 12 carefully selected botanicals makes The London Nº1 a gin to be savoured. In line with the classic gins of yesteryear, juniper, coriander and angelica feature in the recipe – the first two botanicals imparting fragrance and spiciness whilst angelica, together with orris root, give body and structure to the other botanicals. A zesty freshness comes from liquorice root. The London Nº1 is unique in that it also has a final fusion of bergamot oil in the mix – that instantly recognisable perfumed aroma in Earl Grey tea. For the perfect serve, fill a balloon glass with ice. Gently swirl the ice to cool the glass. Then gradually add The London Nº1 and four parts tonic water for each part of gin. Do so slowly so the bubbles remain strong. Flavour with an aromatic lime peel and add some juniper berries.
Stocked by Tesco Ireland, SuperValu, Bradleys, and selected independents, London Nº1 is distributed by Barry & Fitzwilliam.
Heading up success
Copperhead has a signature juniper dominant taste with a hint of citrus flavour
Copperhead is made in authentic copper stills, with every distillation process executed with passion and a high level of expertise.
Copperhead organic botanicals are used for a first distillation. In this process, the botanicals are heated and release their complex signature aromatics. This London dry gin has a signature juniper dominant taste with a hint of citrus flavour which creates a very soft and subtle gin.
The botanical blend is a little simpler than some of the new wave gins that have been launched recently. It is comprised of just five botanicals; juniper, coriander, cardamom, orange peel and angelica. The balance of this mix is said to be absolutely perfect. The nose shows a lot of coriander and the juniper is clear with a touch of cardamom to finish. The palate begins where the nose leaves off and cardamom is at the forefront with some sweet orange peel coming through to help give this gin its distinctive length.
To make the perfect Copperhead gin and tonic, start with the gin, top up with tonic water and garnish with a large slice of orange.
Stocked by Tesco Ireland, Celtic Whiskey Shop, Bradleys L Mulligan and selected independents, it is distributed by Barry & Fitzwilliam.
Fresh and vibrant taste
Bombay Sapphire’s master of botanicals, Ivano Tonutti hand-selects the gin’s botanicals from artisanal producers in exotic locations around the world
Bombay Sapphire, the world’s number one premium gin is based on a secret recipe from 1761. It is created by perfectly balancing a unique combination of 10 hand-selected exotic botanicals from around the world in a unique ‘vapour infusion’ process, where the natural flavours of the botanicals are skillfully captured, resulting in the fresh and vibrant taste with which Bombay Sapphire states it is synonymous.
Bombay Sapphire received both the ‘double gold’ and ‘gold’ medals at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2017
Indeed, Bombay Sapphire was the first premium gin to showcase the importance of its botanicals. The botanicals are hand-selected and sustainably sourced from a selection of artisanal producers in exotic locations around the world by Ivano Tonutti; Bombay Sapphire master of botanicals. Bombay Sapphire features ten carefully selected botanicals from the four corners of the earth, which give the gin its distinctive and balanced flavour – juniper, lemon peel, grains of paradise, coriander, cubeb berries, orris root, almonds, cassia bark, liquorice and angelica. Bombay Sapphire was awarded both the ‘double gold’ and ‘gold’ medals at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2017. It was also named as one of the finest products in the world.
The Laverstoke
For something a little more complex in its make-up, the Laverstoke cocktail – named after Bombay Sapphire’s distillery – is sure to go down a treat this summer. It uses the sweet and herbal notes of Martini vermouth and offsets it with St Germain elderflower liqueur, and tops it with ginger ale before adding a touch of ginger and mint for a fresh, lasting finish. The resulting cocktail is a little sweet, a little savoury, a little fiery, and completely delicious. A perfect pick-me-up.
- 50ml Bombay Sapphire
- 10ml St Germain elderflower Liqueur
- 15ml Martini Bianco Vermouth
- 2 lime wedges – fully squeezed
- 75ml Ginger ale (chilled and freshly opened)
Method
- Squeeze two freshly cut lime wedges into a clean Balloon glass then drop in.
- Measure and pour in the St Germain Elderflower Liqueur, Martini Bianco Vermouth and Bombay Sapphire. Swirl well to mix.
- Fill the glass completely full of good quality cubed ice and stir with a bar spoon to chill.
- Pour the ginger ale over the ice and gently stir the cocktail at the same time. ‘Fold’ to combine the liquids.
An avant-garde option
The creators of Brockmans set out to deliver a new style gin that went beyond juniper
The creators of Brockmans shared a view that gin could be something more exciting, different and delicious than the traditional brands. So they set out to explore new possibilities in taste and push some boundaries to see where gin could go.
Brockmans set out to be different. The brand wanted a new style gin. One with a recipe that went beyond juniper, into more avant-garde territory. Something distinctive that would shake well with new mixers and create exotic cocktails. In the team’s quest for new experiences, it found consumers are increasingly looking for interesting flavours and sensations and Brockmans certainly delivers.
Brockmans is like no other gin. It is intensely smooth with a soft, fruity character derived from the carefully selected botanicals used in distillation. Italian juniper berries provide pine, lavender and camphor notes. Spanish lemon and orange peel add zesty citrus. But the unique use of dried wild blueberries and blackberries give Brockmans its most distinctive flavour.
For cocktails, the smooth taste of Brockmans works exceedingly well in a Martini with a dash of vermouth and a twist of lime.
To make the perfect G&T, pour a good measure of Brockmans Gin over four/five ice cubes, topped with chilled premium tonic. Garnish with a twist of pink grapefruit peel and two fresh blueberries.
The sharp acidity of grapefruit and the floral notes of blueberry combine beautifully with the unique botanicals of Brockmans.
Violet vision
Infused with violets, Boë Violet Gin has a light, delicate taste
Boë Violet Gin is hand-crafted and lovingly created in small batches under the watchful eye of its master distiller at the brand’s distillery in Stirlingshire, Scotland.
A gin of the highest class cut to exactly 41.5% ABV, Boë Violet states it is truly distinctive with standout qualities.
The subtleties of Boë Violet Gin are all in the selection and preparation of its botanicals – that fine balance of herbs and spices so crucial to its distinctive taste and quality and the unique use of premium spirit.
Juniper berries and their flavoursome oils are at the heart of its gin distillation. There’s the aromatic coriander and angelica. Also included are ginger, orris root and cassia bark. Warmth and flavour come from the grains of paradise. Orange and lemon peel are there too delivering a hint of citrus, together with cardamom seeds, liquorice, almonds and the peppery tones of the cubeb berry.
Boë Violet gin is infused with violets to create a stylish gin with a light, delicate taste. The colour of the gin is enhanced by adding natural colour at the end of the process reflecting the sweet taste of violets. It is incredibly smooth with a distinct presence of gin, slightly spiced leaving a wonderful lingering delicate finish of sweet violets and when served, distinctively eye catching.
The perfect pour
- 50ml Boe Violet Gin
- Premium bottled tonic
- Garnish with pink grapefruit twist.
Liquid to watch in 2018
Listoke 1777 was voted one of the best six gins in the world by the International Spirit Business in 2017
Listoke 1777 gin has enjoyed meteoric success since its launch just a year ago in February 2017. Voted one of the best six gins in the world by the International Spirit Business in 2017, it has become a staple in Irish bars and restaurants and is considered one of the most formidable gins on the Irish market.
A London dry style gin; nine carefully-selected botanicals are included in Listoke 1777
The ladies behind Listoke 1777 saw a growth in the demand for premium gin. Unimpressed with the many “gimmicks” that had come to surround gin, they decided it was time to bring gin production back to basics. Listoke is a London dry style gin; nine carefully-selected botanicals are what give this Listoke liquid its exquisite taste. Completely naturally flavoured with botanicals such as cassia, jasmine and rowan berries, Listoke 1777 is distilled in small batches in Listoke distillery in Co. Louth.
Designed as a sipping gin, Listoke is smooth and flavoursome enough to be enjoyed neat or with just an ice cube. Delicious over ice, a peel of orange and a premium tonic, Listoke makes for an unforgettable G&T. Listoke is robust enough to stand its ground in any cocktail, the flavour of the liquid never fading. The spirit of Listoke 1777 gin really does the talking, making Listoke a liquid to watch in 2018.
Production capacity tripled
The makers of the award-winning Shortcross Gin have completed a significant £2.5million/€2.8million redevelopment of their Co. Down based distillery, which will treble production capacity.
Rademon Estate Distillery has been totally transformed with the addition of two new copper stills, which will increase the distillery’s production capacity to over 50,000 litres of alcohol per annum, marking the completion of a 20-month investment programme.
The north’s leading craft distillery and the producer of the multi award-winning Shortcross Gin, Rademon Estate Distillery has made a big impact in the burgeoning craft spirits market since its launch. Founded in 2012 by husband and wife team Fiona and David Boyd-Armstrong, Rademon Estate Distillery is located at the couple’s historic family estate just outside Crossgar, Co. Down.
The company has unveiled its new still house with the commissioning complete of its new copper pot column stills. The new still is considered to be the most advanced gin still in use in Ireland. With a capacity of 1,071 litres, it utilises two ten-plate enrichment columns, which will allow the distillery to produce highly aromatic and flavoursome spirits. The increased capacity afforded by the new still will enable the distillery to treble its production volumes as demand for Shortcross Gin grows globally.
The expanded capacity comes as the distillery seeks to significantly increase production of Shortcross Gin to meet growing demand for exports to the UK, France, Spain, Germany, Scandinavia, North America, the Middle East and Australia, and also to increase available volumes of Rademon’s new Single Malt Irish Whiskey, the first batch of which is expected to be released in late 2018/early 2019.
The significant investment also includes the addition of a contemporary new Visitor Experience Centre; a stylish, multipurpose space comprising a bar, gift shop and events space with stunning views across the estate.
Shortcross Gin is distributed exclusively by Counterpoint Wholesale in the Republic of Ireland and is available in leading bars, hotels, restaurants and off licences, including Ashford Castle, Celtic Whiskey Shop, 37 Dawson Street, G Hotel, Galway, The Cliff House Hotel, Waterford and The Loop, Dublin Airport, priced €50 (RRP).
For further information, visit www.shortcrossgin.com.
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