Glendalough Wild Botanical Irish Gin

Glendalough Wild Botanical Gin is an extraordinary Irish gin crafted by Glendalough Distillery in County Wicklow, often referred to as "the Garden of Ireland." This gin stands out for its unique approach to foraging, with their full-time forager, Geraldine Kavanagh, hand-picking wild botanicals from the Wicklow Mountains throughout the year. These fresh botanicals are brought to the distillery within hours and slowly distilled in small batches by Head Distiller Ciarán "Rowdy" Rooney to capture the delicate flavors of each season. This "year in every bottle" concept results in a gin that aims to embody the scents, sights, and tastes of its wild Irish home. It is bottled at 41% ABV.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: Often described as fresh with notes of juniper, citrus, and pine, reminiscent of a forest clearing in spring. Some detect grassy meadow notes and a hint of sherbet lemon.
• Palate: Cool and mellow at first, evolving into summer flowers, wild autumn fruits, and a warm spice. Some describe a complex profile of herbs and spices, lavender, eucalyptus, aniseed, and star anise.
• Finish: Long and sylvan with warm winter spices. Some note a cooling licorice that crystallizes on the palate with overtones of menthol.

Awards and Recognition:

• Gold Medal at the Gin Masters (2022).
• Gold Medal at the Irish Whiskey Awards (2024, 2023 - Note: While named "Irish Whiskey Awards," some sources list gin wins here).
• Gold Medal at the Gin Masters (2021 - London Dry Gin).
• Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2021).
• Gold Medal at the International Wine & Spirit Competition (2019).

Overall Impression: Glendalough Wild Botanical Gin is a complex and intriguing spirit that truly reflects its wild Irish origins. The unique year-round foraging of botanicals results in a gin with a dynamic and evolving flavor profile, moving from fresh and floral to fruity and spicy. It's a gin that appeals to those seeking a contemporary style with a strong sense of place. While some find its intensely botanical character challenging for certain classic cocktails, it shines in simple serves like a Gin & Tonic or with fresh, clean pairings that allow its unique notes to sing. It's a testament to the distillery's commitment to capturing the essence of the Wicklow Mountains in every bottle.