Review: Drumshanbo with California Orange Citrus Gunpowder Irish Gin
We’re back with another new Drumshanbo gin from Ireland’s The Shed Distillery. Like the 2021 addition to the portfolio, Drumshanbo With Sardinian Citrus, the name is self-explanatory if a bit awkward. The focus for this new gin, once again, is on the citrus component in the ginbill. The distillery’s founder, PJ Rigney, apparently fell in love with California oranges on a trip to the San Francisco Bay Area and decided to add it to the vapor-infused botanicals in his standard Gunpowder, presumably replacing the Chinese lemon (as with the past release). Thoughts follow.
Like the Sardinian Citrus release, a small change in ingredients has given this Drumshanbo a sufficiently nuanced profile that still won’t be too much of a departure for fans of the classic expression. Once again, it’s more citrus forward, but not excessively so with a soft undercurrent of pulpy orange slice and sweet orange oil. At its core is the same gently herbal Gunpowder character with notes of dried tea leaves and mild juniper. On the palate, this gin remains true to Gunpowder form, impressively approachable with a balanced sweetness and mild warmth. Drumshanbo’s classic green tea profile at first threatens to overpower the California citrus dimension, but with a little time things coalesce sufficiently with a more classic introduction of juniper and matcha that transitions to brighter, oily orange peel. The finish lingers with orange candies and dried herbs. Another impressive addition to the Gunpowder lineup.
86 proof.
A- / $37 / drumshanbogunpowderirishgin.com
Drumshanbo with California Orange Citrus Gunpowder Irish Gin
$37
