Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin

What it is

Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin is a clear, dry spirit produced in the small town of Drumshanbo, located in County Leitrim. It is made by The Shed Distillery, which PJ Rigney opened in the town in 2014; the gin followed in 2016, one of many Irish gins that appeared in that decade. The spirit is distinguished by its use of gunpowder tea, a Chinese green tea that is rolled into small pellets before being dried. This botanical provides the drink with a dry, slightly smoky and grassy character that sets it apart from the more common juniper-forward profiles found elsewhere.

The name refers directly to the tea used in the distillation process rather than any military history or explosive ingredient. The result is a spirit that feels both familiar and unusual to the Irish palate. It sits comfortably within the category of gin, yet its specific taste leans heavily on the earthy notes of the tea leaves alongside traditional citrus elements.

A local industry in a quiet county

The appearance of a distillery in Drumshanbo reflects a wider shift in Ireland's drinking landscape. A generation ago, the country had almost no commercial gin distilling. Today, there are dozens of distilleries operating across the island, many situated in small towns and often housed within repurposed industrial buildings or historic structures.

Leitrim is one of the least populous counties in Ireland. The establishment of a distillery in this quiet corner of the north-west fits a pattern where local producers seek out rural locations for their operations. Drumshanbo itself is a small settlement, but its name now appears on bottles distributed internationally, marking it as a point of interest for those following the development of Irish spirits.

The distillery operates as part of this new wave of producers who focus on specific botanical combinations to create distinct regional identities. While the gin is made in Drumshanbo, its story is tied to the broader context of how Ireland has transformed its approach to distilled beverages over the last decade.

How it is flavoured

The defining feature of this spirit is the inclusion of gunpowder tea during the distillation process. This tea, originally from China, consists of green tea leaves that are rolled into tight pellets. When these pellets are steeped or added to the still, they release a complex aroma described as smoky, grassy and slightly sweet.

Alongside the tea, the recipe uses juniper, which provides the traditional backbone of gin, fresh citrus, and a mix of oriental and Irish botanicals: eight in the pot still and four vapour-infused. The combination creates a profile that is dry rather than sweet, with the tea lending a subtle earthiness that balances the sharpness of the juniper. The character comes from the botanicals used during the distillation.

This approach to flavouring aligns with the practices of many modern Irish gin makers who experiment with local ingredients or unusual botanicals to create a unique signature. The tea acts as the primary differentiator, offering a taste that is difficult to replicate without the specific infusion method used at the source.

How it is served

The traditional way to enjoy Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin is in a simple gin and tonic. The standard preparation involves mixing the spirit with a quality tonic water over plenty of ice. The distillery's recommended serve adds a generous wedge of fresh red grapefruit, providing a citrus counterpoint that complements the tea notes without overpowering them.

This specific pairing has become the recognised norm for this particular brand. The acidity of the red grapefruit works well with the smoky dryness of the gin, creating a refreshing balance suitable for warm weather or casual social occasions. While other garnishes might be used in different contexts, the red grapefruit remains the most common accompaniment.

The drink is best experienced in a relaxed setting where the focus is on the flavour and the company rather than formal dining. It is not typically served as part of a complex cocktail menu but rather as a straightforward, high-quality spirit-water combination.

Curious facts

• The tea is Chinese. Gunpowder tea originates from China, where it has been consumed for centuries before being adopted as a botanical in Irish distillation.
• A modern revival. The gin boom in Ireland began only in the last fifteen years, transforming a country with almost no domestic production into one with dozens of active distilleries.
• Leitrim's quiet strength. County Leitrim is among the least populated areas in Ireland, making the presence of a distillery there a notable example of rural industry.
• A dry finish. The use of gunpowder tea ensures the spirit remains dry, avoiding the sweet profiles common in some other gin styles.
• A regional icon. The drink carries the name of Drumshanbo, a small Leitrim town, onto bottles sold around the world.

Where to try it

The most authentic place to taste this gin is in a traditional pub in County Leitrim, particularly in or near Carrick-on-Shannon. Many will pour it with the red grapefruit garnish.

Visitors to the region often seek out these local pubs to experience the drink in its intended context. While the gin is available in other locations across Ireland and abroad, the combination of the local setting and the specific serving style offers the most complete experience. The distillery in Drumshanbo also runs tours, seven days a week, for those who want to see where the gin is made.