The Most Famous Gin and Tonic Brands from Ireland

Ireland is celebrated worldwide for its whiskey, stout, and cream liqueurs, but in recent years it has also emerged as a serious contender in the global gin renaissance. Irish distillers, both large and small, have embraced gin as a spirit that allows for creativity, local expression, and a strong link to Ireland’s rich natural landscape. With botanicals such as wild heather, elderflower, bog myrtle, gorse, and seaweed, Irish gins carry a distinctly Celtic identity. Paired with high-quality tonic waters, the Irish gin & tonic has become a staple in both traditional pubs and modern cocktail bars.

A Short History of Gin in Ireland

Ireland does not have as long a gin-making history as the UK or the Netherlands. Gin was introduced in the 18th century, but whiskey remained the spirit of choice for centuries. The craft gin boom only began in the 2010s, when Irish distillers recognized the demand for premium gins with strong local identity.

Today, there are dozens of Irish gin brands, many of which are internationally awarded, making Ireland one of Europe’s most exciting gin-producing countries.

Famous Irish Gin Brands

1. Dingle Original Gin – The Pioneer of Irish Craft Gin

Distillery: Dingle Distillery, County Kerry
Founded: 2012

Dingle is often credited as Ireland’s first true craft gin.

Botanicals: Rowan berry, bog myrtle, heather, hawthorn, and fuchsia, all from County Kerry.
Flavor Profile: Fresh, floral, and herbal, with a crisp juniper backbone.
Reputation: Multi-award-winning and considered the benchmark of Irish gin.
Cultural Role: Helped kickstart Ireland’s gin boom and remains one of its most iconic gins.

2. Gunpowder Irish Gin – The Oriental Explorer

Distillery: The Shed Distillery, Drumshanbo, County Leitrim
Founded: 2014

Perhaps Ireland’s most internationally famous gin, known for its striking blue bottle.

Botanicals: Traditional Irish herbs combined with oriental botanicals such as gunpowder tea, kaffir lime, and star anise.
Flavor Profile: Exotic, citrus-forward, with a tea-like dryness.
Recognition: Sold worldwide, widely considered Ireland’s flagship gin export.
Pairings: Often garnished with grapefruit in a tonic serve.

3. Shortcross Gin – Northern Ireland’s Craft Star

Distillery: Rademon Estate Distillery, County Down
Founded: 2012

Shortcross is the first craft gin to be distilled in Northern Ireland.

Botanicals: Wild clover, elderflowers, green apples, and elderberries.
Flavor Profile: Rich, full-bodied, with floral sweetness balanced by juniper.
Reputation: Hugely respected in Ireland and abroad, representing the North’s growing spirits culture.

4. Glendalough Wild Botanical Gin – The Seasonal Storyteller

Distillery: Glendalough Distillery, County Wicklow

Glendalough is famous for capturing the flavors of Wicklow’s forests and mountains.

Unique Approach: The distillers forage fresh botanicals every season, creating variations in flavor throughout the year.
Botanicals: Wildflowers, meadowsweet, pine, elderflower, and rose.
Style: Complex, layered, and deeply connected to nature.
Reputation: A favorite among gin lovers who appreciate authenticity and seasonality.

5. Blackwater No. 5 Gin – The Classic Revival

Distillery: Blackwater Distillery, County Waterford

Blackwater specializes in traditional methods with a modern twist.

Botanicals: Juniper, coriander, cinnamon, and local citrus.
Variants:
- Blackwater No. 5: Classic London Dry style.
- Boyle’s Gin: A smooth, citrus-forward expression.
Reputation: Strong presence in Ireland’s bars and increasingly recognized abroad.

6. Bonac 24 Gin – The Modern Contender

Distillery: Bonac Spirits, County Wicklow

A newer addition to the Irish gin scene, Bonac 24 is crafted by a father-son duo.

Botanicals: Angelica root, cassia, bergamot, peppermint, and licorice.
Profile: Refreshing, balanced, and designed for cocktails.
Reputation: Popular in Dublin’s gin bars and among younger audiences.

Famous Irish Tonic Water Brands

1. Poacher’s Tonic Water – Ireland’s Own Premium Mixer

Ireland’s first homegrown premium tonic brand, designed to complement Irish gins.

Variants: Poacher’s Classic, Citrus, and Wild Elderflower.
Botanicals: Often infused with Irish herbs like rosemary and elderflower.
Reputation: A must-have pairing with gins like Dingle and Glendalough.

2. Poacher’s Wild Elderflower Tonic

Special mention goes to this variant, often considered one of the best mixers for floral Irish gins. Its delicate sweetness complements botanicals without overpowering them.

3. Global Premium Tonics

Imported brands like Fever-Tree, Fentimans, and Schweppes 1783 are widely used in Ireland, especially in high-end cocktail bars. Fever-Tree Mediterranean is particularly popular for pairing with Gunpowder Gin.

Ireland’s Gin & Tonic Culture Today

Serving Style: Inspired by Spain’s gin-tonic ritual, Ireland often serves G&Ts in balloon glasses (copas de balón), with creative garnishes.
Garnishes: Grapefruit slices, rosemary sprigs, elderflower, and even wild berries.
Festival Culture: Gin festivals are held across Ireland, from Dublin to Cork, attracting thousands of enthusiasts.
Export Success: Brands like Gunpowder and Dingle are now recognized globally, placing Ireland firmly on the world gin stage.

Conclusion

Ireland has transformed from a whiskey-dominated nation into a serious player in the gin world. With pioneers like Dingle Gin and international stars like Gunpowder Gin, plus artisanal gems such as Shortcross, Glendalough, Blackwater, and Bonac 24, Irish gin represents a fusion of heritage, nature, and innovation.

Paired with premium mixers such as Poacher’s Tonic or international brands like Fever-Tree, Irish gin & tonics capture the essence of the country: pure, wild, and creative.

For gin lovers, a journey through Irish gins is like a walk through Ireland’s landscapes—from the Kerry mountains to Wicklow’s forests and the wild Atlantic coast—all distilled into a glass.

Gin Tonic Gin

Saturday, July 3, 2021

H A Short History of Gin in Ireland