In 2012, there were only one distillery that made gin for Wales. Today, there are many. They’re receiving awards. They use local botanicals. They are passionate about making their drinks. Yes, Welsh Gin is alive and well!
Gin has been the go-to drink for those tired of bland wine or who feel bloated after drinking a lot of sugary beers. It tastes great over a glass or ice of Gin, and is equally delicious in the winter.
A subtly-flavoured industry has developed around gin and nic, which is why it is so popular. Gin and tonic are no longer bland drinks.
Welsh gins can’t be accused of being bland. Welsh craft distilleries are able to create a variety of premium, flavoured gins.
In this article, we will be reviewing ten Welsh gins. These gins are from every corner of Wales. Take a glass and a slice with you, and let’s go through the menu.
Aber Falls Orange Marmalade Gin
This gin has been awarded for its combination of citrus and piney flavors. Orange Marmalade is a gins range made in North Wales by Aber Falls.
Dyfi Pollination Gin
Dyfi Pollination Gin uses the London Dry method to produce it. This is a limited edition production. It has a strong herbal taste, with a minty finish. The award-winning local flora, which was foraged for botanicals, is what really makes it stand out. Dyfi estuary belongs to the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.
Snowdonia Welsh Dry Gin
This little Snowdonia Distillery bottle contains plum and citrus botanicals along with juniper, and a hint of earthy spice. Use a small amount of lemon peel as a garnish and enjoy with tonic or as part a refreshing cocktail. Afanc, a Welsh water monster legend, is the name of the copper distillation pan.
Eccentric Cardiff Dry
It was named in honor of the country’s capital. This sharp, dry spirit has a juniper-forward with a large citrus character. It’s best when paired with mint and pepper. Eccentric, a 200-year-old distiller of gins near Cardiff in Llantrisant has a lot of experience.
Penderyn Brecon Special Reserve
Penderyn is one the largest and oldest distilleries of Wales. Perhaps more well-known for its whiskies, it is also one of Wales’ most historic. This award-winning tipple features botanicals from around the world. These botanicals are blended with barley spirit from nearby Brecon Beacons and water.
pHure Smooth Conwy Gin
Smooth Conwy can be made from 96% organic wheat grain alcohol. It is diluted using soft filtered Welsh waters and used to extract juniperberries, eight additional botanicals, before distillation. This gives the gin its creamy taste. Because the gin has been distilled at a lower pressure, less energy is required.
Da Mhile Seaweed Gin
Do not be intimidated by the name, nor the ingredients! This organic seaweed-infused, gin is called da-veel-lay and it’s the perfect accompaniment to seafood dishes. This gin features fresh, citrus-y notes thanks to the use of seaweed from Cardigan Bay. Give it a go!
LlanfairPGin
The gimmick that the longest placename is being used to sell small batches of hand-crafted gin is unnecessary. The Isle of Anglesey is home to Juniper punch as well notes of elderflowers, angelica roots, mint, rosemary and more.
Henstone Dry Gin
Henstone Dry is a 2020 award-winner. It has juniper juniper angels wreath, coriander, cardamom and orris roots. Made in Oswestry near the border, this is a warm, balanced, and warming Gin with a smooth feeling.
Crawshay orange zest Gin
Crawshay’s Orange Zest is the perfect example of what you can look forward to! A subtle scent of chocolate orange will greet you. This sophisticated flavoured gin is made by the Hensol Distillery of South Wales. It shows restraint and benefits from Brazilian oranges.
Which Welsh gin is your favorite?
Here are 10 options to get you going. Do you have one favorite among them? Perhaps you’ve found your own favorite? Please let us know!
