Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin, Ireland

Chinese gunpowder green tea gives Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin its name and a distinctive thread running through juniper, fresh citrus and botanical spice. Made at The Shed Distillery in County Leitrim, this 43% ABV gin combines eight copper-pot-distilled botanicals with four vapour-infused ingredients, including the tea itself. Locally gathered meadowsweet connects its international recipe to its Irish home, while its bright citrus and dry, lingering finish make a compelling starting point for a grapefruit-garnished gin and tonic.

Product Details:

• Alcohol by Volume (ABV): 43%.
• Proof: 86 US proof.
• Pot-Distilled Botanicals: Juniper berries, angelica root, orris root, caraway seed, coriander seed, meadowsweet, cardamom and star anise.
• Vapour-Infused Botanicals: Lemon, lime, grapefruit and Chinese gunpowder green tea.
• Botanical Sourcing: Twelve botanicals sourced across nine countries, including locally gathered Irish meadowsweet.
• Distillation: Slowly distilled by hand in copper pot stills, with a vapour basket used to introduce the citrus and tea botanicals.
• Bottling: Hand-filled, labelled and sealed at The Shed Distillery.
• Dietary Suitability: Vegan.
• Head Distiller: Brian Taft.
• Recipe Creator: PJ Rigney.

Sensory Description:

Bright citrus and pine-like juniper lead the aromas, with herbal freshness and a subtle floral lift. The palate is rounded on entry, developing through grapefruit, lemon and lime alongside the distinctive green-tea character. Meadowsweet and botanical spice add depth, with anise and caraway contributing a gently savoury edge. Mint-like freshness lightens the middle before a long, drying finish of grapefruit peel, peppery spice and lingering juniper.

Awards & Accolades:

• Double Gold Medals: New York World Spirits Competition, 2024; The Fifty Best, Best Gin tasting, 2019.
• Gold Medals: San Francisco World Spirits Competition, 2025, 90 points; San Diego International Wine & Spirits Challenge, 2025, 90 points; New Zealand Spirits Awards, 2022.
• Silver Medal: San Francisco World Spirits Competition, 2019.
• TAG Global Spirits Awards, 89 Points and Gold: 2024, with Best in Show recognition in Gin & Genever. “Full-bodied and substantially balanced with a vibrant texture.”
• Chilled 100, 95 Points: June 2022.
• The Tasting Panel, 94 Points: December 2020. “Citrus notes linger with spice on the tongue.”
• Wine Enthusiast, 92 Points: March 2023. “The palate is minty and light, showing plenty of juniper.”
• Wine Enthusiast, 92 Points: August 2019. “Juniper, anise, caraway and lime peel on the nose.”
• Ultimate Spirits Challenge, 92 Points: May 2022.
• International Gin Category Winner: Dan Murphy’s Decoded Spirit Awards, 2024.
• Best Gin: Flaviar Spirit Awards, 2019, a community-voted recognition.
• Brand Recognition: International Spirit Brand of the Year, Wine Enthusiast Wine Star Awards, 2022.

Distiller's Background:

PJ and Denise Rigney established The Shed Distillery in Drumshanbo, County Leitrim, in 2014, creating a family-owned home for gin, whiskey and vodka production. Head Distiller Brian Taft worked alongside PJ from the beginning, translating botanical recipes into spirits using purpose-built copper stills. The original Gunpowder gin reflects PJ’s interest in combining ingredients encountered through travel with plants growing close to the distillery. Its pairing of Chinese green tea and Irish meadowsweet captures that approach, while separate pot distillation and vapour infusion allow roots, seeds, citrus and tea to contribute in different ways.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve lightly chilled, around 8–12°C, in a small tasting glass to explore the tea and botanical character, or follow the producer’s signature serve with premium tonic, plenty of ice and a generous wedge of ruby red grapefruit in a highball. For a shorter drink, try a dry Martini with a grapefruit twist; a Bee’s Knees also connects its citrus and spice with lemon and honey. Pair with oysters, smoked salmon on rye or grilled prawns dressed with lemon and herbs. For snacks, choose green olives, salted almonds or crisp crackers with fresh goat cheese, allowing the gin’s juniper and citrus to refresh the palate between bites.