Gunpowder Irish Gin

Gunpowder Irish Gin is distilled in Drumshanbo, County Leitrim, and bottled at 43% ABV. What sets it apart from a standard London dry is the gunpowder tea, a rolled green tea, which sits alongside citrus and spice botanicals. Expect the usual juniper backbone, then bright citrus peel, warm spice, and a faintly grassy, slightly tannic tea note on the finish. Gins built this way usually come across as fresher and drier than heavily floral styles. The 43% strength also gives the botanicals enough weight to hold up when diluted. This is a gin, not an agave spirit. The Blanco, Reposado and Añejo scale, along with barrel-aging and Margarita-style serves, doesn't apply to it. It is a clear, unaged botanical spirit and is best judged on its balance of juniper, citrus and tea. The most natural serve is a gin and tonic in a large stemmed copa or tall highball glass with plenty of ice. A dry, crisp tonic lets the tea and spice show, and a wide strip of grapefruit or lemon peel suits the citrus side better than a lime wedge. A Tom Collins is a good second choice, since the lemon and soda stretch the citrus without covering the tea. In a Negroni, expect the spice and tea to add a drier, slightly savory edge against the sweet vermouth and Campari. In a martini, stirred and served cold with a lemon twist, the tea character should come through most clearly. Neat or over a single large cube in a rocks glass is also reasonable if you want to taste the botanicals on their own. It will pair well with smoked fish, salty cheeses and lightly spiced dishes.