Crafted in the heart of County Kerry, Ireland, Dingle Original Gin is a masterful London Dry gin that sets itself apart with its artisanal approach and locally foraged botanicals. Distilled in small batches of 500 liters, this award-winning gin features a unique blend of rowan berry, bog myrtle, hawthorn, heather, and fuchsia, delivering a fresh, floral essence complemented by the robust juniper core. The meticulous process involves 24-hour maceration and distillation in a custom copper pot still, followed by cutting with the purest water from a 240-foot deep well beneath the distillery. Recognized as the “World’s Best Gin” at the 2019 World Gin Awards, it offers a complex yet balanced palate with hints of citrus, herbal undertones, and a cool, peppery finish. Perfect as a sipping gin or a versatile mixer, Dingle Original Gin truly captures the spirit of Ireland’s wild, coastal terroir.
Process & Profile
Dingle Original Gin is a hand-crafted, small-batch spirit produced at the Dingle Distillery in County Kerry, Ireland. Rooted in the tradition of gin distilling yet infused with innovation, Dingle Gin is classified as a London Dry Gin. This artisan creation uses a blend of botanicals, including local Irish ingredients such as rowan berries, bog myrtle, hawthorn, and heather, capturing the essence of the Kerry landscape. The botanicals are macerated in spirit for 24 hours before being distilled in a custom copper pot still, enhanced by a flavor basket that further accentuates its complexity. The spirit is distilled, cut to a 42.5% ABV using pure water drawn from a 240-foot-deep well beneath the distillery, and bottled in small batches of just 500 liters for utmost quality and exclusivity.
Tasting Notes
Dingle Original Gin delivers a sensory journey from the first whiff to the final sip. Its aroma is fresh and piney, led by juniper with undertones of mint, angelica, and herbs. The palate is bold and layered, featuring dominant juniper, floral notes, and a hint of orange marmalade sweetness. These are followed by herbal flavors of mint, coriander, and a touch of cinnamon for warmth. The finish is smooth, cooling, and herbaceous with subtle pepper and menthol notes, leaving a refreshing impression on the palate.
What Makes It Special
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Unique Irish Botanicals: Dingle Gin’s formula incorporates native botanicals that provide a distinct sense of place, evoking the rugged and lush Irish landscape.
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Small-Batch Excellence: Produced in micro-batches of 500 liters, the gin is meticulously crafted to maintain its premium quality.
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Award-Winning Heritage: Crowned "World’s Best London Dry Gin" at the World Gin Awards in 2019, Dingle Gin stands out for its balanced fusion of traditional and innovative flavors.
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Artisanal Craftsmanship: From using bespoke copper pot stills to hand-harvesting some botanicals, every detail of Dingle Gin reflects dedication and precision.
How to Enjoy
Dingle Gin’s versatile flavor profile makes it an excellent choice for sipping or mixing. Here are some top ways to enjoy it:
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The Classic Serve: Pour Dingle Gin over large cubes of ice, garnish with a wedge of fresh orange and a sprinkling of juniper berries for a simple yet elegant drink.
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With Tonic: Pair it with a high-quality tonic water, such as Fever-Tree Indian or Mediterranean Tonic, to accentuate its citrus and herbal notes. Add cucumber ribbons or lime slices for garnish.
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Cocktails: Dingle Gin shines in classic cocktails like Negronis, Aviation, and Tom Collins, as well as in refreshing options like a gin mojito or a Dingle gin spritz with Fentiman’s Herbal Tonic and fresh raspberries.
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Neat: Sip it straight to fully appreciate its intricate flavors and smooth finish, perfect for gin enthusiasts.
Dingle Original Gin is not just a spirit; it’s an experience of Ireland’s rich distilling heritage and natural beauty. Whether enjoyed neat, in a classic cocktail, or your favorite mixed drink, it’s a gin that truly stands apart.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Dingle Original Gin unique from other gins?
Dingle Original Gin is handcrafted in small batches of 500 liters at the Dingle Distillery in County Kerry, Ireland. It features a unique blend of botanicals, including locally foraged ingredients such as rowan berry, fuchsia, bog myrtle, hawthorn, and heather, which capture the essence of the Kerry landscape. This combination provides a one-of-a-kind flavor profile not found in other gins.
What style of gin is Dingle Original Gin?
Dingle Original Gin is categorized as a London Dry Gin. However, it distinguishes itself with a distinctly Irish character, incorporating innovative botanicals that offer a fresh, floral, and herbaceous profile while maintaining traditional juniper-forward notes.
How is Dingle Original Gin distilled?
The gin is distilled in a copper pot still named "Oisin," starting with a maceration process where botanicals soak in the spirit for 24 hours. It is then distilled, passing through a flavor basket in the still's neck to infuse additional nuances. The resulting spirit is cut to 42.5% ABV using pure water drawn from a well 240 feet below the distillery.
What does Dingle Original Gin taste like?
Dingle Original Gin offers a complex and balanced flavor profile. On the nose, it features juniper, fresh pine, and floral notes. The palate includes bright juniper, hints of orange marmalade, mint, angelica, and coriander. It finishes with herbaceous and cooling notes, alongside a crisp peppery bite.
What are the best ways to enjoy Dingle Original Gin?
This gin is versatile and can be enjoyed in several ways: - As a sipping gin for those who prefer its complex flavor neat. - In classic cocktails such as martinis, Negronis, or Aviations. - With a premium tonic, garnished with a wedge of fresh orange and a sprinkling of juniper berries for the best flavor experience.
Has Dingle Original Gin won any awards?
Yes, Dingle Original Gin has gained global recognition, including the title of World’s Best Gin at the World Gin Awards in 2019. It has also been awarded "Best Irish Gin" at the Irish Whiskey Awards in both 2016 and 2017, among other accolades.
How does the 42.5% ABV affect the taste of Dingle Original Gin?
The 42.5% ABV ensures that the flavors of the botanicals are vibrant and well-balanced while maintaining a smooth drinking experience. It allows the gin's freshness and complexity to shine in both sipping and mixed drinks.
What is the recommended serving size of Dingle Original Gin?
The most common bottle size for Dingle Original Gin is 700 ml, which is standard for spirits. It is typically served in measures of 25–50 ml per drink, depending on the cocktail or personal preference.
What is the history behind Dingle Original Gin?
Dingle Original Gin is crafted by the Dingle Distillery, established in 2012 as Ireland's first purpose-built independent distillery in over a century. The distillery was created to revive Ireland's tradition of independent, small-batch distilling, and Dingle Original Gin was one of the first products released as part of this mission.
Can I visit the Dingle Distillery where Dingle Original Gin is made?
Yes, the Dingle Distillery is a popular destination for visitors, often showcasing its artisanal production process. Tours are available, allowing guests to learn about the innovative distillation techniques and the heritage behind their spirits.