It's fair to say a lot of people have become fans of gin in the last couple of years, if they weren't already. Bars across Dublin now stock every type you could think of, mixed with all sorts and served up every-way possible.
You can buy gin-scented candles, gin-flavoured lip-balms and even scoff on gin-filled chocolate. Now, fans of the drink known as a "Mother's Ruin" (it's all lies) can step up their gin game at a new Gin School.
"What sets it apart from other Irish gins for myself is how complex it is, whilst being soft and subtle enough to enjoy neat, which is a rare trait in any gin," commented Patrick Noir, award winning drinks consultant.
Listoke Distillery & Gin School has just opened in Drogheda, so it's just over half an hour from Dublin by car and about the same if you take the train (think about getting back after sampling the goods).
The new, purpose-built artisan distillery which sits in a 200 year old stable building quietly opened before Christmas, but it's officially welcoming students into its school as of last week. The experience encompasses a tour the distillery, before visitors distill their own gin, which they then bottle, label and seal.
Bronagh Conlon, co-founder, Listoke Distillery said "Whilst the recipe and combination of herbs and spices is secretly guarded, the gin reflects a distinctive array of botanicals which grow in the wild and on the grounds in the Edwardian walled gardens at Listoke."
Listoke Distillery & Gin School is now taking bookings, which you can find out more about here.
