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It’s a story of East meets West with a few places in between. In this review, I’ll explain exactly why the end result is not only harmonious, but why Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish has earned a seat at the table of Super Power Gins.
From the East – Slowly dried Gunpowder tea from China, caraway seed, star anise, cardamom and lemon from India, kaffir lime from Cambodia and oriental grapefruit from Indonesia.
From the West – Meadowsweet from Drumshanbo, Ireland, juniper berries from Macedonia, angelica root from Germany, coriander seed from Romania and orris root from Morocco.
Exactly how Drumshanbo turned all of the above into a bright bouquet of distinct flavors that coexist without ever overshadowing each other, is nothing short of a tasty miracle!
Now let’s get into my full review, and as always, we’ll begin with how it tastes neat.
What does Gunpowder Gin Taste Like, Neat?
Drumshanbo Irish Gunpowder Gin has a fresh, herby, citrus heavy aroma with notes of green tea and star anise. Grapefruit, is the initial flavor followed by juniper then tea, finishing with herby, warm spices of anise, cardamom and coriander.
The finish is is delightfully long and peppery with a nice warming throat feel.
Who Might Like Drumshanbo Irish Gunpowder Gin?
Those who enjoy citrus forward gins with moderate juniper will most likely enjoy Gunpowder. Tea drinkers will certainly like it and non-tea drinkers will not be turned off.
Gunpowder is a favorite among Gin and Tonic drinkers and it mixes well in all cocktails.
Grapefruit is the most recommended garnish so if you are partial to that citrus, this is the gin for you.
What type of Gin is Gunpowder?
Gunpowder Gin is a modern or contemporary gin. It is not too heavy or juniper forward due to its star feature botanical called: meadowsweet.
Depending on where you’re from, this could be the first time you’ve heard of Meadowsweet. Well-known throughout Europe, this flowering herb is touted for its anti-inflammatory properties and is part of the rose family.
It’s often consumed and sold as medicinal teas (link to tea), or even by itself in bulk packaging (link to herb).
Lucky for the distiller, this beautiful flowering, medicinal herb grows in the meadows local to Drumshanbo, Ireland.
Distilling Method
Slowly dried Chinese green tea is blended with eight botanicals and three types of citrus to create a smooth gin with bold and fresh flavors.
It is distilled using two methods.
The meadowsweet, cardamom, angelica and orris root, coriander and caraway seed, juniper berries, and star anise go in a copper pot stills.
Kaffir lime, oriental grapefruit, Chinese Lemon and Gunpowder tea are added to the vapor basket for a more delicate release of flavors.
Alcohol Percentage of Gunpowder Irish Gin
The ABV of Drumshanbo Gin is 43%. You can see how it compares to 10 other gins in our ABV table.
Price: How Much is a Bottle of Gunpowder Gin?
In the US, Drumshanbo Gunpowder Gin retails for approximately $36.99 for 750 ml. At the time of this writing, I find it to be a good value gin, especially if you find it under $40.
Many times you’ll find special edition gift sets which may be priced higher…more on that later.
Now let’s get into how Drumshanbo Gunpowder compares to a few other popular gins. For this next section, I did the taste-test method, side by side over several hours, cleansing the palate in between.
Gunpowder Irish Gin vs Hendrick’s
Compared to Hendrick’s, Gunpowder offers heavier citrus and herbal elements, notably the green tea. On the palate, it bursts with powerful flavors that do not compete with each other. The finish is sweet, spicy and herby with a good heat.
Hendrick’s sets itself apart from other distillers by creating highly floral gins. Rose and chamomile are hyper present in the nose and later in the finish. Some pine, sweet citrus and a hint of licorice carry through the palate before a warm, very dry finish.
Both are excellent mixing gins and would be equally delightful in a cocktail.
Gunpowder Irish Gin vs Bombay Sapphire
Gunpowder and Bombay Sapphire are both citrus forward gins with subtle juniper flavor.
Bombay Sapphire tastes closer to a London Dry than Gunpowder. It is even more citrus forward with the lemon leading the way. Its nose is more floral and earthy than herbal. It has more heat in the finish with balanced citrus and spice.
Both gins make good Martinis and G&Ts but we believe Gunpowder performs better in a wider range of cocktails.
Gunpowder Irish Gin vs The Botanist Gin
Side by side with the Botanist, Gunpowder Gin has a bolder bouquet with a greater emphasis on citrus and spice.
The Botanist is similarly complex but has a subtler nose. It features pine, roots and woody notes and has a bigger, warmer finish than Drumshanbo Gunpowder.
You can read our Review of the The Botanist Gin
Gunpowder Irish Gin vs Roku
For me, this was the most interesting comparison seeing both gins feature tea.
Gunpowder is bolder and more citrus forward. The tea element is very pleasant and not abrasive. It has complexity, allowing herbs and sweet spices to have their say.
Roku gin has a sweeter, floral aroma with a prominent tannin flavor from two kinds of tea. It has prominent citrus that edges more toward bitterness. Its finish is very peppery and warm.
Both gins are good neat but Gunpowder Gin is much more mixable.
How to Serve Gunpowder Gin
Gunpowder Gin works extremely well in citrus drinks like the Tom Collins, the Gimlet, the Bronx and even the Hot Toddy.
It also gives great results lending its tea flavor in popular cocktails like the Negroni, the French 75, the Tuxedo and the Bramble.
Drumshanbo Gunpowder Gin Cocktails: How to mix
The Drumshanbo distillery highlights 3 smart variations on the Gin and Tonic, a gimlet variation and a martini. These are spot on and I will make the following additions:
Gunpowder Gin and Tonic
Gin and Tonic is definitely one of the most popular ways to serve Gunpowder. The distributor promotes Elderflower tonic, and I absolutely agree. Gunpowder and this Elderflower Tonic (link to Elderflower Tonic) is deliciously addicting.
For those of you opposed to elderflower tonic, don’t worry. Gunpowder gin is also delicious with Fevertree Indian (link to product) and if you can find it: Fevertree Mediterranean Tonic.
If you’re lucky enough to find the Mediterranean, grab it. For some reason it’s hard for me to buy locally, though it is regularly available online (link to check price).
Grapefruit is overwhelming the most favored garnish. I’ll also add that dried grapefruit wheel is splendid!
Gunpowder Martini
The distiller recommends the best gin to vermouth ratio for Gunpowder is 4 to 1 and suggests grapefruit bitters in place of orange. I totally agree that Gunpowder and grapefruit are the winning combo.
Additionally, they recommend a bar spoon of brewed Gunpowder tea and finished with a lemon twist.
No Gunpowder Tea?
If you don’t have gunpowder tea on hand, it’s ok to skip it. Or, feel free to experiment with any complex green tea you might have on hand. If you’re looking try a gunpowder tea, here is a great, organic, offering that originates in Ceylon aka: Sri Lanka (link to gunpowder tea).
If you have a tea with some “camellia sinensis plant” leaves, you’ll get really close.
Now let’s get into some drinks I’ve mixed up using Gunpowder. These use very simple ingredients, with huge reward.
Gin Drink Recipes & Highball Ideas from Gin Boss
Perfect Paloma
Grapefruit is so good with this gin, that it makes a Gin Paloma a must! We did a full recipe and video here: Gunpowder Paloma Recipe
Gunpowder Gin and Juice
All you need is gin & juice, and ice. While citrus juices are an easy win, white cranberry and pink lemonade are delicious mixers with gunpowder gin.
No Juice in the Fridge?
Who doesn’t like tea and jam? Gunpowder’s distinct tea flavor is a natural good pairing with fruit jams straight from your fridge.
Last year, I made over 24 gin cocktails using a jam advent calendar. What a December! Here is a video of one Gin & Jam using Gunpowder Gin:
And if you don’t have a good jam, try a tart or bitter juice using our Gin and Juice guide.
In conclusion
Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin is well-balanced and full of flavor neat or in a mixed drink. It harmonizes well with other flavors and its tea element is thoroughly enjoyable.
Gin Boss considers Gunpowder Gin extra special and we recommend it highly. It makes a great gift for a gin lover.
Throughout the year, you’ll see beautiful gift boxes with various offerings and limited edition bottle designs. After the holidays is when you can score Drumshanbo at a discount.
Liquor stores will often mark down the special edition bottles and gift sets as they take up more shelf space than the bottle itself. So, keep your eyes peeled!
To learn more about the styles of Gin, visit our Home Page.
