When it comes to spirits, gin is undoubtedly having more than a moment in the spotlight. And while you may be familiar with classic London Dry or juniper-forward gins, there’s a hidden gem in the world of craft spirits. Let us take you on a flavourful journey through the lush landscapes of Wales to discover unique, small batch Welsh gins.
1. Dyfi Distillery - Hibernation Gin
Tucked away in the heart of the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve in Dyfi Valley, Dyfi Distillery has been making waves in the world of craft gin. Their Hibernation Gin is a testament to their commitment to local and seasonal ingredients.
Botanical Blend: Dyfi Hibernation Gin boasts a unique blend of botanicals, including wildflowers, juniper, and pine needles harvested from the surrounding landscape. These botanicals give the gin a distinctive earthy and piney flavour profile, reminiscent of the Welsh wilderness.
(£43.95 / 50cl. Visit dyfidistillery.com for details)
2. Gŵyr - Rhosili Dry Gin
Gŵyr Distillery, located on the picturesque Gower Peninsula, has captured the essence of this beautiful coastal region in their Rhosili Dry Gin. This gin is a celebration of the sea and the land, making it a unique addition to any gin enthusiast’s collection.
Botanical Blend: Rhosili Dry Gin incorporates a coastal blend of botanicals, including sea buckthorn, gorse flower, and linden flowers. The result is a gin with a delightful citrusy zing and floral undertones, reminiscent of a breezy day by the sea.
(£39.95 / 70cl. Visit the-gower-gin-company.myshopify.com for details)
3. Eccentric Gin - Young Tom
Eccentric Gin, situated in the heart of Wales, is known for its unconventional and playful approach to gin-making. One of their standout creations is the Young Tom Gin, a gin that pays homage to the historic Old Tom style.
Botanical Blend: Young Tom Gin features a delightful blend of botanicals, including juniper, coriander, and fresh orange peel. What sets it apart is the touch of honey and malted barley, which gives it a subtle sweetness reminiscent of traditional Old Tom gins.
(£38 / 70cl. Visit eccentricspirits.com for details)
4. Hensol Castle Black Gin
Nestled in the picturesque grounds of Hensol Castle in the Vale of Glamorgan, Hensol Castle Distillery has created a gin that pays homage to its historic surroundings. Hensol Castle Black Gin is a testament to their commitment to quality and craftsmanship.
Botanical Blend: Hensol Castle Black Gin boasts a unique blend of botanicals, including locally sourced juniper, angelica root, and a hint of blackcurrant. These botanicals come together to create a gin with a captivating dark hue and a flavour profile that balances juniper with subtle berry undertones.
(£30 / 70cl. Visit hensolcastledistillery.com for details)
5. Snowdonia Spirit Co. -
Welsh Dry Gin
Nestled in the shadows of the majestic Snowdonia mountains, Snowdonia Spirit Co. takes inspiration from the rugged beauty of its surroundings to craft their Welsh Dry Gin. This gin is a true reflection of the untamed spirit of Wales.
Botanical Blend: Snowdonia Spirit Co.’s Welsh Dry Gin features a carefully selected blend of botanicals, including juniper, heather, and lemon verbena. The result is a gin with a crisp and clean profile, evoking the freshness of mountain air.
(£36 / 70cl. Visit snowdoniagin.com for details)
6. Aber Falls -
Small Batch Welsh Dry Gin
Aber Falls Distillery, located in the breath-taking North Wales region, has gained a reputation for producing exceptional gins that capture the essence of their surroundings. Their Small Batch Welsh Dry Gin is a testament to their commitment to quality and innovation.
Botanical Blend: Aber Falls Small Batch Welsh Dry Gin features a balanced blend of botanicals, including juniper, angelica root, and coriander seeds. The result is a classic dry gin with a crisp and juniper-forward flavour profile, perfect for classic gin cocktails.
(£26 / 70cl. Visit aberfallsdistillery.com for details)
7. Penderyn’s Brecon Botanicals Gin
Penderyn Distillery, nestled in the Brecon Beacons National Park, is renowned for its Welsh whisky, but they’ve also delved into the world of gin with their Brecon Botanicals Gin. This gin showcases their expertise in crafting spirits of exceptional quality.
Botanical Blend: Brecon Botanicals Gin features a well-balanced blend of botanicals, including juniper, lemon peel, and orange peel, with a touch of cinnamon and coriander. The result is a gin with a citrusy and subtly spicy character that’s perfect for both sipping and mixing.
(£22 / 70cl. Visit penderyn.wales for details)
8. In The Welsh Wind - Limited Edition Palo Cortado Cask Aged Gin
In The Welsh Wind Distillery, known for its innovative and imaginative approach to gin-making, has once again pushed the boundaries with their Limited Edition Palo Cortado Cask Aged Gin. This gin is a true testament to the artistry of aging gin in exceptional casks, resulting in a unique and complex flavour profile.
Botanical Blend: In The Welsh Wind’s Limited Edition Palo Cortado Cask Aged Gin begins with a meticulously crafted blend of traditional gin botanicals, including juniper, coriander, and citrus peel. What sets this gin apart is its aging process. It spends a significant amount of time in Palo Cortado sherry casks, where it absorbs the rich, nutty, and slightly sweet characteristics of the sherry.
(£45 / 70cl. Visit inthewelshwind.co.uk for details)
Conclusion
The world of Welsh gin is a vibrant tapestry of flavours, each distillery offering a unique and distinctive taste of Wales. From Hensol Castle’s Black Gin with its intriguing blackcurrant notes to Snowdonia Spirit Co.’s Welsh Dry Gin, capturing the essence of the mountains, and Aber Falls’ Small Batch Welsh Dry Gin delivering a classic dry gin experience, there’s a gin for every palate.
And don’t forget Penderyn’s Brecon Botanicals Gin, which marries citrus and spice to create a versatile and delightful spirit. These gins are a testament to the creativity and craftsmanship of Welsh distilleries, and they’re waiting to be discovered and enjoyed by gin enthusiasts and novices alike. So, raise a glass and toast to the diverse and flavourful world of small batch Welsh gins. Iechyd da!
