Irish craft distiller Glendalough may be best known for its whiskeys, but the brand’s gin made landfall on American shores this June. Its full name is Glendalough Wild Botanical Gin, and that fanciful moniker appears to be well-earned.
According to Glendalough, the botanicals used in the gin are foraged from the mountains surrounding the distillery. The fresh-picked flowers, berries and herbs are added to the still just hours after they have been picked, in order to better capture their essential oils.
Its nose is a bit more complicated than what you’d expect from most gins. Rather than a juniper bomb, you get a more mellow mix of juniper, pepper, licorice, and a touch of smoke.
The spirit is smooth on the tongue (less surprising once you learn it’s 82 proof), and begins with notes of juniper, citrus and ginger. It quickly develops a silky mouthfeel, and the texture becomes increasingly creamy as it picks up a light pepper spice. Once it has been played out by pepper, the gin concludes with a long, satisfying licorice note.
Glendalough Wild Botanical Gin is a satisfying, balanced sipper, but proves to be a great companion to a Gin and Tonic as well. While unaggressive, its juniper, pepper and ginger notes punch things up just enough to spice up the simple drink.
Stats:
— 41% ABV
— $29.99-$34.99.
CE Rating: ★★★
Try The Autumn botanical. It’s absolutely awesome