July’s GinBox – Minke Irish Gin
MINKE GIN
For 9 generations the Scully family have been farming the land of Galley Head in West Cork. Michael Scully and his wife Helen were tilling Barley fields when, in their own words, the strangest idea occurred to them. Their Barley fields would produce enough Barley to make whiskey. While paddling her canoe off Galley head one evening Helen spotted mountains of rock samphire growing high up on the cliffs above the shoreline. The key botanical for their gin would come from there.
Soon, Michael and Helens pipedream was no more.
They embarked on a journey that culminated with the opening of their very own distillery in Clonakilty town in 2018. They have just released their own whiskies, but their signature product, Minke Gin has been their bread and butter since they opened. Minke Whales are often seen in large groups off the coastal waters of Galley Head and they are known to swim up to paddlers and canoeists.
In its first year Minke Gin won a gold Medal at the Best international Botanical Gin Awards. It Won a Silver Medal at the International Wine and Spirit Competition as well, establishing it as one of Irelands best gins within weeks of its release.
Hassetts Bakery have been in business in Cork for over 35 years. They have many Blas na h’Eireann awards for their breads, biscuits and tarts and we’ve included a little box for you to try of their Chocolate Viennese biscuits.
You would be forgiven for thinking this month’s colours suggest an American theme for Independence Day. However, this is a completely Cork Gin Box and your Inchydoney Candle will ensure the mood is right when you sip your first gin and tonic this month. Made by Louise Kingston at her home in Inchydoney from eco-friendly soy wax. They are lead and paraffin free and are made in small batches at home in an old cowshed in West Cork. How wonderful is that? I don’t think it’s just us, but we do have a passion for supporting small producers. Whether they are distillers, candlemakers, bakers, sicilian lemon tree farmers or Irish tonic makers, they are all worthy of our support, and your support, allows us to bring their products to you!
As a new brand, we are delighted with the recognition our gin has received in its first year.
A testament, we feel, to the unusual botanicals we use, and our unique maritime story.
BOTANICALS
Juniper Berries, Cardamon, Coriander Seed, Rock Samphire, Lavender, Orange Peel, Lemon Peel, Lime Peel and Pink Grapefruit Peel.
The fresh citrus peel and Rock Samphire are distilled separately from the other botanicals to harness the freshness in season.
Tasting Notes
Minke Irish Gin is a juniper based, citrus forward gin, with flavours of lavender, cardamom and fennel.
Distilled in Clonakilty Distillery in a Copper Pot Still, they use local Whey Spirit as the base alcohol for this maritime inspired gin.
THE PERFECT G&T
Over ice with your favourite tonic and garnished with a sprig of fresh garden
mint and a slice of lemon.
