The Copeland Distillery was the brainchild of Gareth Irvine who raised £30,000 in 2016 to fully fund a new distillery in the old Ards bottling site in the docks area of Donaghadee, Co Down. Gareth has grown his boutique distillery in a short couple of years to an output of 12,500 cases and he’s done so by having a great portfolio of products.  

When curating this month’s Gin Box, we wanted to bring you something a little different. Gareth uses 12 local botanicals and if it’s a straight Gin and tonic you are after, he recommends a slice of orange with it. However, we’ve embraced the Gin Gimlet this month, and were hoping you’ll embrace this gin cocktail too. To help you we have managed to source some original 1930’s design Nick & Nora coupe glasses. Originating from the Manhattan Cocktail scene, these shaped cocktail glasses have stood the test of time, and cannot be compared to the classic Martini glass. They get their name from the classic detective film of the same era, ‘The Thin Man’. The lead characters were called Nick and Nora Charles and the glasses were forever named after them! 

This month’s tonic water hails from Craigavon, on the other side of Belfast. Philip and Helen Troughtons are the second generation of the Armagh Cider Company, which they continue to produce today in Ballinteggart house just outside Portadown. They were inspired to create their own tonic waters from the spring water wells at Ballintagart house and have been making a full range of tonics and non alcoholic drinks there for the last couple of years. 

Lastly, No Gin Gimlet or Gin and tonic is complete without some great snacks. Tandragee Castle in Co Armagh is home to Tayto Crisps and Tayto have been producing these crisps there for over 60 years. Their craft range has 4 different flavours and amongst these is a Causeway Sea Salt  & Malt Vinegar range, which has been the recipient of a Great Taste Gold medal award recently.

Yum!