The growth of premium gin

Ireland is renowned for producing premium gin and this trend is far from over with some outstanding brands coming to market over the past 18 months. Drinks Industry Ireland shines the spotlight on some of these remarkable brands

 

According to Drinks Ireland, gin has increased from 5% share of spirits in Ireland to 13%. While overall spirits sales slowed in 2023, premium Irish gin continued to grow by 1.3%.
Ten years ago, there were just a handful of distilleries making gin in Ireland. Now there are almost 50 distilleries across 32 counties producing world-class gins. The sustained growth throughout Ireland has positioned Irish gin as a global leader in quality and authenticity.
Irish gin is unique to most other countries that produce gin. The product is produced and sold by the distillers that make it, reflecting the locality from where the distillery is placed – botanicals are locally foraged giving a unique ‘sense of place’ to Irish gins. The distilleries that produce the product employ dozens of people throughout rural and urban communities.
The hospitality sector is of vital importance to the growth of the gin industry as it is often the first opportunity for overseas visitors to be introduced to our gins so we are relying on bar and wait staff to have the right knowledge and good initiative to emphasise the quality of the product that they are selling and to suggest new products to their customers. The UK, USA, Germany and Canada have been highlighted as priority export markets for Irish gin. The other big market is global travel retail or duty-free which is a really important sector for Irish spirits in general but in particular for Irish gin and whiskey. This was hit badly during Covid but has recovered significantly in the past two years and is ripe for future growth.

Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin with Brazilian Pineapple

Discover a new taste of the refreshingly exotic this summer with the launch of Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin with Brazilian Pineapple from The Shed Distillery of PJ Rigney.
Exotic layers of fresh citrus, oriental botanicals and gunpowder tea with subtle hints of Brazilian pineapple bring sunshine and zest to the classic G&T and the deliciously tropical al fresco cocktails on warm summer evenings.
Every delicious drop is distilled at The Shed Distillery of PJ Rigney in Drumshanbo, the home of Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin, Drumshanbo Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin with Sardinian Citrus, Sausage Tree Pure Irish Vodka and other extraordinary The Shed Distillery brands.
Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin is one of the fastest-growing gins in the world, available in over 90 countries from London to New York, Sydney to Capetown and employee numbers have now risen to over 100 at the family-run business.
Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin with Brazilian Pineapple comes hot on the heels of the “Spirit Brand of the Year” win at the Wine Enthusiast Wine Star awards in San Fransisco.
The eye-catching yellow and green ombre bottle is sure to grab the attention and delight customers.
Available online through the Shed Distillery and stores nationwide. RRP €39.95. The Gin Guild
The Gin Guild brings together gin distillers, brand owners and industry leaders and other key figures in the industry to promote and encourage commitment to excellence in gin distillation and its global promotion.
The Gin Guild is a prestigious organisation made up of gin distillers and others in the wider gin industry from around the world and celebrates and promotes excellence in the production of our fine spirit.
A not-for-profit founded in 2012, the Gin Guild has grown to over 500 members worldwide, including the world’s largest gin distilling companies and micro-distillers.

The Gin Industry Annual Dinner
8 May 2025, Guildhall, London
www.theginguild.com/annualdinner
Held at London’s magnificent Guildhall, a fantastic networking opportunity for all those involved in the gin world as the Gin Guild welcomes new members.

Ginposium
13 June 2025, RSA House, London
www.ginposium.com
A day of learning with peers for gin distillers and the wider industry, a time to connect and network with key suppliers and learn from the experts in our sector.
The Guild organises two events for the Gin industry each year:
The Gin Guild will warmly welcome applications from distillers across Ireland – find out more about the benefits of Guild membership, explore options and start your journey to becoming a Gin Guild member on our website: www.theginguild.com
And make sure your distillery is included in the growing World Gin Distillery map – its free!
Web: www.theginguild.com
Email: info@theginguild.com
Tel: +44 (0)20 33 97 87 47

Graham Norton’s Own Irish Gin’s celebrates Graham’s West Cork heritage

Graham Norton has his very own gin range, Graham Norton’s Own Irish Gin, Graham Norton’s Own Irish Pink Gin, Graham Norton’s Own Marmalade Gin proudly distributed by Barry & Fitzwilliam. Following on from the success of Graham’s award-winning GN Wine range, the renowned TV presenter launched his own Irish Gin range which celebrates the beauty and unique flavours of West Cork.
Partnering with an Irish distillery was very important, and Graham decided to work with his West Cork neighbours – West Cork Distillers. West Cork Distillery is the most southerly located distillery on the Atlantic Archipelago – an area close to Graham’s West Cork retreat.
Graham’s gins celebrate the beauty and unique flavours of West Cork. Distilled and produced using 100% Irish grain Graham Norton’s Own Irish Gin and Graham Norton’s Own Irish Pink Gin draw its flavours from a combination of 12 botanicals including angelica, fuchsia flowers, orris roots, rose hip, basil and liquorice root – all of which contribute to a gin which is as unique as the man himself!
Following the success of Graham Norton’s Own Irish and Own Pink Gins, Graham wanted to produce a new citrus-based premium gin to add to his collection, but with a twist. Developed in collaboration with a marmalade producer and gin producer in Graham’s hometown of Cork. Graham Norton’s Own Marmalade Gin has delightful Seville Orange notes leaping out from the glass without disguising the other classic aromas from botanicals such as kaffir lime and juniper. The citrus twist of the marmalade creates a refreshing drink that lingers in the mouth long after the last drop.
Gin is one of his favourite tipples, so he really wanted to put his own Norton-esque twist on one. Graham wanted something that spoke of the splendour and beauty of West Cork its countryside and its unique botanicals. The bottle shape and design of both have great stand-out and the gins speak for themselves!
Serving Suggestion:
• Graham Norton’s Own Irish Gin- Enjoy with Indian Tonic Water, lashings of ice and fresh lime to garnish.
• Graham Norton’s Own Irish Pink Gin- Enjoy with Indian Tonic Water, lashings of ice and summer berries to garnish.
• Graham Norton’s Own Marmalade Gin- Enjoy with Indian Tonic Water, lashings of ice with a twist of orange and a garnish of orange zest

A unique flavour profile

This summer, Ireland’s number one super-premium gin brand, Hendrick’s Gin, unveils three refreshing summer cocktail recipes. These bespoke creations are designed to inspire cocktail enthusiasts across the emerald isle, encouraging them to indulge in the sophisticated art of mixology with Hendrick’s Gin which can easily be mastered by cocktail-making experts and novices alike!
Hendrick’s Gin has long been celebrated for its exceptionally refreshing taste and highly unusual distillation process, which sets it apart from ordinary gins. Distilled in small batches using the rare “Carterhead” style and infused with its distinct cucumber and rose petals, Hendrick’s offers a unique flavour profile that is both refreshing and sophisticated.
Hendrick’s invites cocktail lovers to embark on a sensory journey with these easy yet delectable cocktail recipes, perfect for enjoying this summer at home.

Hendrick’s Gin unveils three bespoke cocktail recipes to enjoy throughout summer 2024.

Hendrick’s Martini
Ingredients:
• Hendrick’s Original Gin
• Dry Vermouth
• Cucumber slice
Method:
1. Stir Vermouth and Hendrick’s Gin over ice cubes in a mixing glass.
2. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
3. Garnish with a cucumber slice.

Wildgarden Cup
Ingredients:
• Hendrick’s Original (35ml)
• Lemon juice (25ml)
• Sugar syrup (25ml)
• Soda water
• 4 raspberries, 6 mint leaves, and 3 cucumber wheels to garnish
Method:
1. Fill a glass with cubed ice.
2. Add raspberry and mint to the glass, then add Hendrick’s Original, lemon juice, and sugar syrup. Gently mix.
3. Top with soda water, gently mix again, and garnish with cucumber wheels, mint leaves, and raspberries.

Cucumber Spritz
Ingredients:
• Hendrick’s Original (30ml)
• Sugar syrup (10ml)
• Lemon juice
• Soda water
• 3 cucumber wheels and mint leaves to garnish
Method:
1. Combine all ingredients in a wine glass.
2. Top with soda water.
3. Garnish with cucumber wheels and mint leaves.

Hendrick’s Gin marketing manager for Ireland, Emma Slevin, says: “Each of these recipes showcases the delightful and unique characteristics of Hendrick’s Gin, perfect for the warmer days. Whether it’s the beautifully light Wildgarden Cup, the elegant Cucumber Spritz, or the classic Hendrick’s Martini, these cocktails are sure to add a touch of refreshing sophistication to any summer gathering.”
For more delightfully unusual cocktail creations, visit Hendrick’s Gin Cocktails.

A captivating Irish craft spirit captures market share

Nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of County Mayo, Ireland, Drioglann Loch Measc (Lough Mask Distillery) draws inspiration from its wild and rugged surroundings to craft exceptional spirits. Their signature offering, the award-winning Loch Measc Gin boasts a unique profile that is captivating both consumers and industry professionals alike.
Loch Measc Gin features a meticulously curated blend of botanicals foraged near its namesake loch. While this gin is traditionally juniper-led, there are also delicious hints of lemon citrus, nutty angelica root and spicy coriander. Fuchsia, elderflower, and honeysuckle create a captivating symphony of floral and grassy notes. Bottled at 43% ABV, the finish is crisp and fresh. This distinct flavour profile elevates classic cocktails like Negronis and Gin Martinis, ensuring a memorable experience for discerning customers.
With the growing consumer preference for small-batch craft spirits, Loch Measc Gin perfectly captures this essence of Irish excellence, making it a strategic addition to any beverage portfolio. It is no wonder then, that it has become a firm favourite for travellers at Dublin, Shannon, and Knock airports, who actively seek out distinctive premium Irish products.
Lough Mask Distillery’s commitment to innovation is further underscored by their upcoming releases, including an autumnal gin and a seasonal “Cask Cinnamon Gin” for the festive period. Loch Measc Gin is available at select independent retailers across Ireland, direct from the distillery, or through a number of key online partners.

Lough Ree Distillery brings ecoSPIRITS format to Irish market

Lough Ree Distillery has launched the ecoSPIRITS refillable spirits model to the Irish market, with venues in Dublin and the Midlands the first in the country to use the closed loop system. Their award-winning range of gins, vodkas and whiskies are the first available in the low-waste ecoSPIRITS format with other Irish brands coming on stream in the coming months.
Michael Clancy, CTO & founder of Lough Ree Distillery said: “ecoSPIRITS is a much more efficient and a more sustainable spirits distribution model because it practically eliminates single use glass and other packaging. Our customers that use ecoSPIRITS love it- it makes life a lot easier for bar staff and brings about operating and cost efficiencies”
ecoSPIRITS is a circular economy company that has developed the world’s first low carbon, low waste distribution system for premium spirits and wine. This closed-loop system nearly eliminates all packaging waste in the supply chain. By dramatically reducing packaging and transport, ecoSPIRITS provides a transformative carbon footprint reduction. Founded in Singapore in 2018, ecoSPIRITS technology is now available in more than 27 countries across Asia Pacific, Europe and the Americas, including Michelin-starred restaurants, World’s 50 Best and Asia’s 50 Best bars and iconic hotels.
For more information, contact ecoSPIRITSie@Lrd.ie

St. Patrick’s Gin Range

St. Patrick’s Gin’s goal is to produce spirits of character, taste and personality. Most of the spirits we consume today are produced from grains, as they contain high levels of easily converted sugars. St Patricks Gin has instead chosen potato as the alcohol base for its gins because of its unique natural sweetness, and its amazing versatility.
As potato has just 20% available dry starch matter, this makes the process much more expensive, but it more than compensates for the extra time and effort with its unique taste, aroma and smoother mouth-feel.
Using small-batch artisanal methods, the company produces 100% variety of Potato Gins. The added feature of a grain-free distillation is that it’s also naturally gluten-free. Distilled with care, these gins are pure, crisp, and infused with carefully selected botanicals.
The company also sources new make and mature whiskeys from a number of other Irish distilleries, and they mature these in carefully hand-selected oak casks in their bonded warehouse until ready for blending and bottling. This rare flexibility allows them to patiently curate, nurture and craft their very own signature whiskeys. All of their whiskeys commence maturation in first-fill bourbon barrels, finished in either port, sherry, rum or cognac casks.
At least 12 generations of the Walsh family are known to have farmed on the foothills of Croagh Patrick in Mayo. The earliest available census from 1901 records a family of nine in a two-roomed thatched cottage, quaintly described as “second class”. The head of the household, Patrick, listed his occupation as a tenant farmer, rather than that of his actual vocation of a poitin maker, for which he had a first-class reputation throughout the County of Mayo.
A tradition passed on through multiple generations. The small family farm adjoins the commonage on the often mist-shrouded mountain, which would have hidden the smoke of the turf-fired copper still. If detected by Revenue, all he had to do was jump over his wall. Patrick is believed to have been incarcerated and charged with illicit distillation on several occasions, but no record of any conviction can be found.
Located in the old St. Patrick’s Woollen Mills, in Douglas, Cork, the company is a confluence of serendipity, tradition, modern technology and a worldwide appetite for authentic products, people and experiences.
Classic Gin 40%. Juniper and herbal forward notes with a medium sweet body. Garnish with a slice of lemon.
The products in the range include, Extra Dry Gin 40 %. Fresh citrus forward notes, medium dry body slight pepper finish. Garnish with a slice of lime.
Elderflower Gin 40%. Classic Gin infused with fresh elderflower, refreshingly sweet. Garnish with an orange slice.
Sloe & Honey Gin 40%. Extra Dry Gin infused with Sloe berries. Crisp and spicy, slightly tannic. Serve with ginger ale & lime.
Pink Gin 40% Classic Gin infused with Irish Strawberries. Serve with your choice of tonic, or sparkling wine as a Gin Fizz.
Available online www.stpatricksdistillery.ie or in select retailers. RRP €30.

Awaken your senses

Xin Gin from Ahascragh Distillery is a multi-award-winning gin featuring a blend of carefully balanced European and Oriental botanicals. Masterfully crafted in the heart of Galway, Xin Gin is an exceptional spirit from Ireland’s first eco-distillery, which is powered exclusively by renewable energy.
Xin Gin is an expression of what Ahascragh Distillery Founders, Michelle and Gareth McAllister love most about the two places they have called home – Asia and Ireland. The word ‘Xin’ (pronounced ‘shin’) means ‘heart’ or ‘feelings’ in Mandarin and the bottle design features Celtic and Asian influences.
A juniper-led dry gin, Xin Gin boasts fresh citrus notes of orange zest and lemongrass combined with the exotic taste of the Asian fruit, persimmon, held by an earthy, herbaceous undertone of dill and cinnamon spice, each adding depth and producing an exquisite taste.
Xin Gin pays homage to tradition while embracing the spirit of innovation and is already making waves in the industry. Xin Gin was awarded a Masters Medal at The Global Gin Masters 2023. Other recent wins for Xin Gin include a double gold medal at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and “Best in Ireland” at The 2024 Gin Guide Awards for the third year in a row.
Whether savoured neat, mixed in a contemporary cocktail or enjoyed in a classic G&T, Xin Gin lends itself beautifully to every mix and occasion. For more info see ahascraghdistillery.com/xin-gin/