Review: Boatyard Double Gin

Boatyard Double Gin was first distilled in 2016 at the newly established Boatyard Distillery, located on the banks of Lough Erne in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. The name derives from the fact that the distillery is built on a converted boatyard. The distillery and the gin are the brainchild of Joe McGirr, who grew up nearby on a dairy farm but who cut his chops working for a decade at Glenmorangie in Scotland. He returned to his roots to create a gin designed for Martinis.

The gin’s website lists all the botanicals used and, interestingly, the percentage to which each contributes to the final product:

Juniper – 86%
Coriander – 11.5%
Liquorice Root – 0.45%
Angelica – 0.45
Orris – 0.25%
Citrus – 0.45%
Grains of Paradise – 0.45%
Sweet Gale – 0.45%

The “double” in the gin’s name refers to their distillation process, which introduces juniper at both the start and the end. First, juniper rests in the wheat spirit in the still along with the other botanicals. Then, juniper is introduced again in the vapor chamber. Let’s give it a try, both by itself and in a martini.

Boatyard Double Gin Review

Poured neat, Boatyard Double Gin hits first with juniper, but it is not overpowering. The nose introduces gentle pine, but along with it comes bright lemon peel, and licorice. There is also an earthy note underneath and a touch of black pepper. I’m surprised that juniper accounts for 86% of the botanicals since the aromas are so balanced.

On the palate, the juniper is more forward. Bold pine and black pepper hit first, but the lemon note, now appearing as lemon drop candy, comes quickly after, providing a nice, lively counterpoint. It is even lightly sweet on the tongue. The licorice and earthy notes that appear on the nose are more subdued here, but noticeable, particularly after a few sips. This is a lovely sipping gin and works well by itself or with an ice cube.

But this is supposed to be a gin made for martinis, so let’s give it a try as it is intended to be enjoyed. The bottle suggests a martini made with 2 parts gin and 1 part dry vermouth. As a martini enthusiast, I appreciate a recipe that lets dry vermouth play its part. And making it this way, I have to say: I’m a fan. The gin is bold enough to stand up to the vermouth and plays beautifully with it. The resulting cocktail opens not with juniper but with lemon drop candy. Pine and black pepper quickly follow, and they are gentle now, coupled with licorice and a light herbal note. The mouthfeel is silky but the slightly higher proof of the gin reminds you that this is a serious cocktail made for slow sipping. Gin fans and particularly martini fans should give this one a try.

92 proof.

A- / $35

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