Minke Irish Gin is a citrus-forward, juniper-based gin from the Clonakilty Distillery in West Cork, distilled from whey and flavored with hand-foraged Rock Samphire from the Atlantic cliffs, bottled at 86.4 proof (43.2% ABV).
Minke Gin is inspired by the Minke whale, the majestic creatures that swim wild off West Cork's Atlantic coastline. That same coastline is home to its signature botanical: native Rock Samphire, which the team sustainably harvests by climbing the cliffs along the shore, only by hand and only in season. Samphire has a distinct taste, a little salty and a little like parsley.
The base spirit is derived from whey, produced on the distillery family's eighth-generation farm near Galley Head Lighthouse and other West Cork farms, which gives Minke a unique velvety texture and mouthfeel. Alongside the Rock Samphire, the botanicals include lavender, citrus fruits, cardamom and lemon verbena, and every drop is distilled in the distillery's copper pot still with its own deep well water. From grass to glass, it harvests nature at its best.
The nose is crisp and dry. The taste is fresh, fruity and zesty, and then the Rock Samphire from the local cliffs comes through with green, fennel-like notes. The finish is slightly salty, with red peppercorn. Minke won Gold as Best Signature International Botanical Gin from the American Distilling Institute in 2019, and Best Classic Irish Gin at the World Gin Awards 2023.
For the perfect serve, fill a glass with four large ice cubes, one-third Minke Gin and two-thirds tonic, add two slices of lemon or lime and garnish with a mint leaf.
Tasting Notes
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Nose: Crisp and dry.
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Palate: Fresh, fruity, zesty, then green fennel-like samphire.
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Finish: Slightly salty, red peppercorn.
Specifications
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Distillery: Clonakilty Distillery, West Cork, Ireland
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Base: Whey spirit from West Cork farms
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Signature botanical: Hand-foraged Rock Samphire
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Other botanicals: Lavender, citrus, cardamom, lemon verbena
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Proof / ABV: 86.4 proof (43.2% ABV)
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Size: 750ml
How to Enjoy It
Pour one-third gin to two-thirds tonic over ice with lemon or lime and a mint leaf.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rock Samphire?
A salty coastal plant hand-foraged from West Cork's Atlantic cliffs.
What is the base spirit?
Whey, from West Cork family farms.
What awards has it won?
Best Classic Irish Gin at the World Gin Awards 2023.
Explore more in our Gin collection.
