First Impressions
Kinsale Spirits Co. in County Cork uses over twenty botanicals to create their London Dry, with key flavours foraged from the Kinsale countryside. Meadowsweet, elderflower, lemon verbena, and geranium are gathered seasonally and sensitively — leaving enough behind for the birds and future crops. Gold at The Gin Masters 2019, Silver at ISC 2020.
Tasting
Over twenty botanicals. The nose is juniper-forward with bitter orange, spearmint, and complex spice. On the palate at 40%, smooth with berries, apples, and citrus, lemon verbena's unusual fruity tones, meadowsweet and elderflower florals. The finish is sultry spice fading to vanilla.
The Bottom Line
Kinsale earns a 7 — a London Dry where the foraged botanicals create genuine Cork countryside character. The sensitive harvesting approach adds ethical credentials. Multiple award-winning. Best in a G&T with a twist of lime. At £33, Irish craft gin from one of Ireland's most beautiful coastal towns.
