The Botanist is similarly complex but has a subtler nose. It features pine, roots and woody notes and has a bigger, warmer finish than Drumshanbo Gunpowder. Gin is now definitely a global spirit, with excellent examples being made everywhere from the U.S. to Mexico to Southeast Asia, and even the UK has seen an infusion of new gin distilleries. The best thing about this is that each spirit is an attempt to capture some essence of its geography, often using locally sourced botanicals to flavor what otherwise would essentially be, well, vodka. With so many bottles to choose from, we’ve broken down some of the best gins out there to try now by highlighting stellar examples of the new and old school. Here are some of the best gin brands available now, from traditional London dry to brand-new innovations.

Side by side with the Botanist, Gunpowder Gin has a bolder bouquet with a greater emphasis on citrus and spice. Gunpowder vs. Botanist Gin New Western Gin: This is really a catch-all term for newer gins that don’t fit into the previous categories. But the through line is that these gins, while still using juniper as a key ingredient, are flavored with a wide range of botanicals, and often use ones that are grown locally to showcase the flavors of where they are made. When asked if the company might seek external investment or a sale to turbocharge growth, Mr Rigney replied: “No we’re not looking at that. We’re very focused on using our own resources to drive on the business. We want to retain control of the company. We are only on the first leg of our journey ... we have a long way to go.” Trading well Grapefruit is the most recommended garnish so if you are partial to that citrus, this is the gin for you. What type of Gin is Gunpowder?Gunpowder Gin works extremely well in citrus drinks like the Tom Collins, the Gimlet, the Bronx and even the Hot Toddy. From the East – Slowly dried Gunpowder tea from China, caraway seed, star anise, cardamom and lemon from India, kaffir lime from Cambodia and oriental grapefruit from Indonesia. No matter what you choose to drink with your gunpowder gin, you’re sure to enjoy the botanical flavors and the unique taste of this spirit. How do you drink gunpowder Irish gin? Today, gunpowder gin is made by distilling gin with a small amount of gunpowder tea. This gives the gin a smoky flavor, which is said to be reminiscent of gunpowder. Gin isn't just from England and the U.S. Distilleries all over the world produce versions that try to capture the character of where they're made. There are three main categories. Distilled gin is produced from a mash of grains in the same way that whiskey might be. Redistilled gin is a neutral grain spirit that has been distilled a second time. And compound gin is a neutral grain spirit that’s been infused with flavors (this is the least common style). While you can use nearly any botanical you can think of to flavor gin, juniper is the key ingredient. There are two ways to infuse the botanical flavors into gin—either by macerating them in the spirit, or suspending them in what is essentially a large tea bag above the spirit and infusing the gin with vapors. Then there are a few different styles of gin to consider.

In March, it emerged that Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin had secured a listing with Aer Lingus, with the drink becoming available on all Aer Lingus flights during the month. It had secured a listing with Ryanair in January.

Cocktails

If that seems like high praise— it indeed is. Drumshanbo Gunpowder Gin is a delightful, well-balanced, but botanically loud contemporary style gin— that doesn’t forget its roots and the juniper. London Dry Gin: The old guard brands mostly distill London Dry-style gin in the UK, although it does not actually have a geographical indicator. The main rules of this designation are that juniper must be the dominant flavor (as it is for all gin) and botanicals must flavor the gin during distillation, with no flavor or color added afterwards. Brands like Beefeater and Tanqueray are classics for a reason, but the world of gin has expanded enormously over the past 20 years as new distilleries tinker with the formula.

Those who enjoy citrus forward gins with moderate juniper will most likely enjoy Gunpowder. Tea drinkers will certainly like it and non-tea drinkers will not be turned off. The green tea in gunpowder gin gives the spirit a light, herbal flavor. The tea also imparts a light green color to the gin.Who doesn’t like tea and jam? Gunpowder’s distinct tea flavor is a natural good pairing with fruit jams straight from your fridge. The Gunpowder Tea notes lend itself really nicely to mixing in citrus-forward drinks. Try Gunpowder Gin in a Tom Collins or Gimlet. If you’re literal, Gunpowder Gin is delightful in a hot toddy. Add some honey and lemon and it almost tastes as if you’re having a hot tea to sooth your throat. The nose is light and citrus-forward. The more delicate handling of the citrus ingredients is quite evident here. Fresh lemon zest highlights a subtle herbaceous, sagey juniper with the slightest hint of green tea and meadowsweet. Grapefruit is overwhelming the most favored garnish. I’ll also add that dried grapefruit wheel is splendid! Gunpowder Martini Towards the end though, it turns sweet and spicy/herbal. Anise and cardamom are subtly and expertly played in here. Meadowsweet, especially late and towards the finish lends its a honeyed, vanilla-like nuance.