Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin: Tea-Spiced and Characterful, If Not Quite Revolutionary
Contemporary 43% ABV ABV The Shed Distillery
3 February 2026
Genuinely unique gin
Never tasted anything quite like this. The gunpowder tea brings a smokiness that's completely different from barrel ageing. Star anise and elderflower sweetness balance it out beautifully. The Shed Distillery have created something truly original.
17 January 2026
Tea flavour is divisive
The gunpowder tea smokiness is the defining feature, and honestly, I'm not fully sold. The star anise is nice and the cardamom adds warmth, but the tea tannins on the finish make it taste slightly bitter to me. At 43% it's well-made, just not my cup of tea — literally.
11 January 2026
Keeps surprising me
Every time I revisit Drumshanbo I find something new. The angelica grounds the tea smokiness, the star anise warmth plays against the grapefruit zest. Complex and deeply satisfying.
31 December 2025
Conversation starter
Everyone comments on the gunpowder tea when I serve this. The grapefruit zest on the nose is lovely, and the tea-forward palate with citrus brightness is really well balanced. Fascinating Contemporary gin at 43%.
27 December 2025
Revolutionary gin making
Drumshanbo Gunpowder broke the mould. The interplay of gunpowder tea smokiness with star anise and elderflower sweetness is genius. At 43% it's perfectly weighted, and that medium finish with tea tannins and citrus fade is utterly compelling. A gin I'll never tire of.
25 December 2025
Bold and characterful
That green earthiness on the nose from the gunpowder tea is immediately captivating. The palate delivers with tea tannins meeting citrus brightness and cardamom warmth. A Contemporary gin with real personality.
8 November 2025
Irish gin at its finest
The combination of gunpowder tea, star anise, and meadowsweet creates something magical. At 43% it's got proper presence, and the elderflower sweetness adds a gorgeous layer. The dry star anise close is superb.