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30th October 2018
08:29am GMT
With that comes the buzz word on the tip of everyone's tongue - CHRISTMAS!
Yes, I know it's still a little bit early to be throwing that word around, but let's be real - preparation is key.
As I'm sure you're well aware of by now Ginfluenced is the hottest weekly series for gin lovers across the country. Each week I'll be showcasing a craft gin and talking about what makes it special.
If you're unsure of what gin would suit you best and you're not willing to risk spending all your beans on a bottle that you might not like, this is the answer to all of your problems.
You're welcome!
Alternatively, this is the ideal Christmas gift guide. A bottle of premium gin is a top quality pressie.
This week we're bringing some summery flavours to our wintery gin goblet.
Ireland meets Iberia in this Irish pot stilled gin, imbued with Mediterranean botanicals.
MíL Gin has quite the story to it.
It's said that many centuries ago, invaders from the Iberian peninsula came to Ireland. They were known as Milesians - sons of the mythical warrior Míl. After several battles, they took control of the Isle of Destiny and populated it with descendants.
All Irish Gaels are therefor said to be children of Míl.
Now, a bit of Irish history for ye before you starting sipping!
This is one of the most beautifully eye-catching gin bottles I've seen in quite some time.
It's bursting with vibrant colour with a picture of Irish and Spanish botanicals and wildlife peering from the back of the bottle to the front.
Around the neck of the bottle is a stamp linking Ireland and Iberia. The brand colours are a vibrant yellow and deep blue with illustrated waves beneath.
The whole idea of the bottle is to highlight that our people were great explorers, mythological warriors who brought these interesting botanicals and flavours to Ireland.
MíL Gin was created at the Pearse Lyons Distillery, located in the refurbished St.James Church in the Liberties, Dublin. A passionate team of ‘ginthusiasts’ were inspired by the surroundings of St.James Church and link it has with the Camino de Santiago in North-West Spain.
(According to legend, the apostle St.James is buried there.)
Through endless research and exploration the team came across the mythical Spanish warrior named Míl. Míl is said to have been the ancestor of the Milesians, the final inhabitants of Ireland, who arrived from the Iberian Peninsula, bringing with them the vibrant flavours of the Mediterranean sun.
It offers a local twist on the pleasures of the sunniest side of the continent and channels the Spaniard's version of Gin & Tonic.
There's strong aromas of thyme, basil, rosemary and juniper followed by a clean citrus finish.
Juniper is the most prominent smell along with a somewhat spicy kick from the rosemary and thyme.
Well-rounded and smooth yet crisp piny juniper and herbs very present making it a great sipping gin.
This could definitely be consumed straight. It's full of flavour, because it's a premium craft gin and the nature of its distilling, it can be drank with ease.
By adding tonic you'll find it's bursting with fresh bittersweet flavours.
It's deliciously summery, the perfect pick me up for bitter winter nights.
A 700ml bottle of MíL gin costs €51.99, a little bit pricier than your average craft gin but it would be a fab pressie for a special occasion.
You'll find it in the Celtic Whiskey Shop, Donnybrook Fair, Dunnes Stores, L Mulligan Whiskey Shop, Tesco, Wine Wells and in gin joints and restaurants across the country.
