Drumshanbo Gunpowder Italian Fig & Laurel

Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin with Italian Fig & Laurel is a 43% ABV Irish gin made by The Shed Distillery in the town of Drumshanbo, County Leitrim, Ireland. This edition reinterprets the range's classic gunpowder tea and Oriental botanical recipe with Italian fig, laurel and Tuscan juniper, developed in collaboration between two-time world champion Italian bartender Bruno Vanzan and distillery founder PJ Rigney.

How is it made?

The gin is distilled slowly by hand in the distillery's medieval-style copper pot stills. Ten botanicals, including Chinese gunpowder green tea, juniper, meadowsweet and Italian Viola fig, are distilled in the pot; four botanicals, including Italian laurel and Tuscan juniper, are added by vapour infusion. The bottles are hand-filled and labelled at Drumshanbo.

What does it taste like?

According to the producer's description, fresh citrus and Oriental botanical aromas give way to ripe, sweet fig, followed by a light herbal touch of laurel leaf. Juniper, citrus and tea notes are balanced by the fig's sweetness.

How should it be served?

A gin and tonic made with a good-quality tonic and citrus peel is its simplest serve; it also retains its character in Italian-inspired cocktails such as Negroni.

Which dishes does it pair with?

Its fig-forward, herbal character suits mature cheese platters and fruit desserts; it is also a good accompaniment alongside light meze selections.