With the announcement that the best gin in the UK is Welsh and amidst the explosion of gin bars around the country, Corrie David dives into the best Welsh gins on the market.
DYFI POLLINATION GIN
A relatively new brand, Dyfi, founded by two brothers, began production in 2016 and has already managed to make a name for itself. Their premium Pollination Gin is both delightful to the nose and mouth; made with wild Welsh botanicals, the gin smells grassy and fresh, whilst the taste manages to be both herbal and spiced with a minty finish. Awarded ‘Best UK Gin’ title at the Great Britain Food Awards 2017,this gin has all the qualities of a London Dry, whilst being Welsh and rural to the core.
Price: £34.95/50cl. ABV: 45%. Info: www.dyfidistillery.com
BRECON BOTAINICAL GIN
Well-known among Welsh gin lovers, this ‘super-premium’ gin from the Penderyn Distillery (more commonly known for its whiskey) is an essential for this list. With a nose of the rich fresh juniper and undertones of citrus, what you smell is what you get, however on the palate there’s a surprising sweetness with notes of earthy spices also up for grabs. This gold winner of the 2017 Spirits Business Gin Masters is best enjoyed served with tonic and a slice of lemon against a roaring fire on a winter evening.
Price: £24.99/70cl. ABV: 43%. Info: penderyn.wales
DÀ MHÌLE SEAWEED GIN
I know what you’re thinking: the first half of the gin you can’t pronounce and the second half sounds awful, but don’t let deter you. Pronounced da-vee-lay (Gaelic for 2000), this organic seaweed infused gin is perfect with a seafood meal. Hailing from Ceredigion, this gin offers fresh bursts of lavender and citrus, with notes of eucalyptus and pine to the nose; on the palate, it leads with floral notes of lavender, citrus and eucalyptus, and then balances with the seaweed undertones. It is undoubtedly a gin that is perfect for those fresh and light summer afternoons.
Price: £30/70cl. ABV: 42%. Info: www.damhile.co.uk
ECCENTRIC CARDIFF DRY GIN
Cardiff’s first ever gin, this is the fourth of the Eccentric Gin collection and was heavily influenced by the Welsh public. Taking to the masses, Eccentric asked Welsh gin enthusiasts what was missing from their other gins, and thus Cardiff Dry Gin was born. With an initial hit of citrus on the nose, followed by notes of herb and liquorice, this gin is certainly a little different. To taste, the liquorice really comes through, however the herby notes such as rosemary and the sweet fennel balance this out, creating a smooth and refined finish.
Price £25.95/70cl. ABV: 37.5. Info: www.eccentricgin.com