Gunpowder Irish Gin

Overview

Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin is the flagship expression from The Shed Distillery in Drumshanbo, County Leitrim, Ireland. Conceived by distiller PJ Rigney, this gin merges Irish craftsmanship with a global botanical adventure—most notably featuring Chinese gunpowder green tea alongside traditional gin botanicals. The result is a vibrant and distinctive gin that offers both complexity and drinkability, standing out in the Irish gin category. 

Brewing Process

• Ingredients: The recipe includes 12 botanicals—eight are steeped and boiled (juniper berries from Macedonia, meadowsweet from Drumshanbo, angelica root from Germany, orris root from Morocco, caraway seed, coriander seed, star anise, cardamom), while four are vapor-infused (gunpowder tea, lemon peel, oriental grapefruit, kaffir lime).

• Distillation: Slow distillation takes place in custom copper pot stills, with botanicals introduced at specific times to ensure precision of flavour. Vapor-infusion is used for the more delicate citrus and tea botanicals. 

• Proof & Bottling: Bottled at 43 % ABV (86 proof) and presented in the distinctive blue scalloped-glass bottle featuring the jackalope motif.

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Crystal-clear spirit with a slight golden shimmer when swirled due to the fine grain-neutral base. 
Aroma: A bright citrus launch of lemon zest, grapefruit peel, and kaffir lime, underpinned by juniper and a hint of green-tea leaf from the gunpowder tea. Herbs and spice (such as star anise and cardamom) provide secondary depth. 
Palate: Crisp and lively—juniper and citrus up front, transitioning into green tea tannin, herbal meadowsweet sweetness, and spice. The finish is warming, slightly peppery, and gently sweet-savory. 
Finish: Long and clean, with lingering citrus zest, subtle tea-leaf bitterness, and a herbaceous warmth. 

Food Pairing

This gin shines when paired with light and aromatic dishes: fresh seafood (such as grilled shrimp or ceviche), citrus-dressed salads, and herb-driven vegetable sides. In cocktails, it is excellent in a crisp G&T featuring premium tonic and a grapefruit slice, or in citrus-led mixers like a Gimlet.

Serving Recommendations

• Serving Temperature: Best served chilled between 6–8 °C (43–46 °F) or over large ice.

• Glassware: Use a tulip-shaped gin glass or a stemmed copa to concentrate aromas and allow botanicals to unfold.

• Garnish: A fresh slice of grapefruit or a twist of kaffir lime rind complements the gin’s citrus and tea notes.

Aging Potential

As a premium gin, Drumshanbo Gunpowder is crafted for immediate enjoyment rather than long-term aging. However, if properly stored upright and away from light, the flavour profile should remain excellent for 2–3 years.