Taking its name from the nearby town of Ballynahinch, the Hinch Distilleryis based on the Killaney Estate in County Down. It has only recently opened but already boasts an extensive range of whisky, as well as Ninth Wave Gin. DISTINCTIVE LONDON DRY – Unlike other dry gins, Twisted Nose expertly balances juniper with sweet herbs and spicy tones. Leaving your mouth bubbling with excitement. Blood Monkey Gin and Blood Monkey Spice Storm are a pair of sipping gins from Dublin-based Outcast Brands. They recently each won a Gold medal at the Global Gin Masters 2022 in the Ultra Premium and Contemporary categories respectively. Xin Gin was designed to be at the heart of gatherings. Xin’s founders Michelle and Gareth McAllister have Irish blood and Asian hearts. After spending many years in Asia, they wanted to merge what they loved about their two homes. The word itself means ‘heart’ or ‘feelings’ in Mandarin. The delicate flowers used in the distillation of their Wild Botanicals Gin elevates this drink to the next level. Make sure to drink with lots of ice. 1. Drumshambow Gunpowder Irish Gin, Co. Leitrim – for an oriental flavour experience

The distillery is already producing both malt and gin, which isn’t that strange for an unopened distillery. In fact, releasing malt and other spirits before opening is the business model of a lot of whisky brands. The history of Dublin is part of this gin’s appeal. It is made using botanicals grown in Pheonix Park since the Ha’penny Bridge was built in the 19 th-century. 4. Jawbox Gin, Co. Antrim – a Belfast favourite Credit: Facebook / @Jawboxgin The word ‘Maharani’, meaning ‘Queen’, is a tribute to revolutionary women everywhere. The Premium gin is zested with Pomelo fruit and uniquely spiced with Cassia and Nutmeg-Mace, all sourced from a women’s organic farming co-operative in Bhagya’s home state of Kerala. This heady combination results in a gin of truly transcendental taste, a liberation of spirit and spice. The palate is smooth and soft, with more summer berries and big notes of vanilla. Juniper takes the lead and it is slightly bitter. This goes perfectly with crisp citrus notes and more pine needles.Hinch Distillery, which produces Ninth Wave Gin, is the brainchild of well-known Northern Ireland entrepreneur Dr Terry Cross. Distilled near the local village of Drumshambow in County Leitrim, Drumshambow Gunpowder Irish Gin has made a great name for itself on the Irish and global gin market.

Also, known for its sweet aromas, you can choose between the original Ha’penny Dry Gin or try out their pink Rhubarb Gin for something a little different. What I discovered post tasting was that alongside their whiskeys, they also have a gin, Ninth Wave. I was curious, given their creativity in whiskey, what would they bring to gin? Thankfully, they very kindly offered to send me a bottle so I could find out. The nose begins with fruit flavours; it’s full of citrus notes, sweet Vanillas and a hint of dew-covered grass. It contains Juniper Berries, Coriander Seeds, Angelica root, Orris root, Cassia bark, dried Lemon peel, Cardamom, Grains of Paradise and dried Lemon Verbena.The Hinch Distillery is an exciting venture in Ireland/Northern Ireland and clearly one to keep an eye on, especially if Ninth Wave Gin is anything to go by. We thought a beautiful gin deserved a beautiful bottle! I’d like to congratulate the whole team at Hinch for their contribution in the development of our gin’s award-winning recipe, and of course the industry experts who have joined us on this journey,’ he adds. Ireland has had somewhat of a gin revolution. There are now 68 gins made across the island of Ireland. How do you enjoy Irish gin? Hinch Whiskey and the Ninth Wave Gin are made on the grounds of Hinch Distillery in County Down. When did Hinch Distillery open? Mr Flaherty says : “ Ninth Wave Gin is inspired by our fascination with Irish mythology, the mystical ‘Otherworld’ and its links to the sea which surrounds us. Our Irish gin has a bottle design, in ocean blue glass, incorporating the symbolism of the Celtic Triskellion (triple spiral) which adorns many ancient monuments throughout the island.

Try it over ice with Lemon juice, sugar syrup, soda water and a Lemon wedge for your perfect refreshing Summer drink.

I love doing it, I meet other people just as geeky as me over spirits, and it keeps my practice up when it comes to tasting notes. The last one was with Hinch Distillery in County Down, Northern Ireland. From a whiskey perspective, they offer some intriguing drams. Flavour profile that differed from the norm, and they’re keen to experiment – something that long time readers of my blog will know that I love. That blend of science and creativity.