Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin

Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin is a characterful, citrus-driven gin with a distinctly botanical depth that bridges classic London-dry brightness with gentle herbal and spice complexity. Its vibrant lime and green-herb aromatics—supported by peppery spice and piney juniper—give it a bold, spirited personality that lifts cocktails and neat pours alike.

Origins & Craftsmanship
Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin is crafted in Drumshanbo, County Leitrim, Ireland by Great Northern Distillery, a producer known for thoughtful, terroir-inspired spirits that lean into distinctive botanical signatures. The “Gunpowder” name alludes to gunpowder tea, a key botanical in the recipe, which lends a subtle smoky-herbal dimension without overt heaviness.

The base spirit is distilled from grain neutral spirit, and the botanical lineup includes juniper berries (the backbone of gin), gunpowder green tea, citrus peels (notably lime), lemongrass, angelica root, cinnamon, onycha (cubeb berries), and other botanicals that blend classic gin structure with lively citrus and spice complexity. The result is a gin that feels citrus-bright and herbally nuanced, with a gentle peppery warmth underneath.

Tasting Profile
Nose: Bright lime and lemon zest jump forward immediately, layered with fresh juniper and a soft herbal undertone that hints at lemongrass and gunpowder tea. A whisper of aromatic spice (cinnamon, pepper) gives depth without cutting into the citrus clarity.

Palate: Medium-bodied and lively, with citrus (lime, lemon) at the core, tempered by green tea–like vegetal notes and herbaceous lift. Juniper sits comfortably in the mix, balanced by angelica’s earthiness and a gentle spice warmth that keeps the profile engaging.

Finish: Clean, slightly warming, and lingering—citrus peel, herbal hints, and a whisper of black pepper close without harshness.

Quick Overview

Cocktail Recipes 

Drumshanbo G&T (Elevated Classic)
Ingredients:

• 2 oz Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin

• 4–5 oz premium tonic water

• Lime wheel or lemon twist (garnish)
  Method: Build over ice in a highball glass. Add gin, top with tonic, and garnish.

Gunpowder Negroni (Herb-Spice Twist)
Ingredients:

• 1 oz Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin

• 1 oz sweet vermouth

• 1 oz Campari
  Garnish: Orange twist
  Method: Stir with ice until well-chilled. Strain into a rocks glass over a large cube. Express orange twist.

Lime & Tea Martini
Ingredients:

• 2 oz Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin

• 0.5 oz dry vermouth

• 0.25 oz fresh lime juice
  Garnish: Lime twist
  Method: Stir with ice and strain into a chilled coupe. Express lime twist.

"In an exciting multi-continental project, this spirit provides pungent aromas of traditional European gin botanicals like coriander with more earthy, subtle flavors as Asian tea. While tasting a rich spirit base provides a balancing sweetness to temper any aggressive botanicals." 94 Points 2019 Ultimate Spirits Challenge