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28th November 2018
11:21am GMT
It's the end of the month, you've most likely just gotten paid - this is the perfect window to do your shopping and gift buying well in advance to dodge the stress of it all and actually enjoy December.
Don't leave it to the 24th of December, you'll be annoyed at yourself for it.
One thing I've learned over the years is that the best presents are the ones that bring a new experience. Whether it's tickets to a show, flights, a spa treatment or even a nice meal - that's the gift you'll remember forever.
That being said, you don't have to be spending a bomb to put a smile on someone's face.
Last Christmas, I was gifted two fancy bottles of gin.
These bottles provided for homemade drinks with friends and family. We all got together and had a catch up, made tasty G&Ts, sipped away and enjoyed each other's company - it really was a lovely gift.
Each week I'll be sharing with you one of my favourite craft gins and what makes it special. From its flavour to aroma, botanicals to sensation - I've got the deets and I can't wait to share them with you.
Listoke 1777 is a small batch, premium handcrafted Irish gin. Everything is done by hand from loading the still with botanicals to applying the labels. It launched in October 2016, was then picked up by Dublin Airport and remained there exclusively until Februaury 2017 when it went on general release.
A deep green square shaped bottle is what makes Listoke 1777 stand out from the first glance.
On the label you'll find a stunning illustration of an owl (their logo) as well as the caption "Spioraid na beatha" meaning spirit of life. The wise owl pays homage to the barn owls in the stable building at Listoke where the distillery now lies.
Proceeding from that, the bottle is pretty simple, there's no big long flowery paragraphs - it's all down to what's inside that counts.
Listoke Distillery is the biggest gin distillery in Ireland and also home to the biggest gin still.
Since 2016, the gin has expanded rapidly and has relocated to Listoke Gin House which was designed for gin production and education. It's located in the heart of the Boyne Valley in Co Louth.
The gin is labelled, bottled and sealed by hand in the venue.
Listoke 1777 Gin is distilled in small batches of 350 litres at a time. The still uses one of the most modern methods of distilling. The company has ensured that all production methods and all products used are as green and sustainable as is available.
Listoke House is Ireland's only gin school, so if you really wanted to go all out and get a savage gift for a gin-lover this Christmas, this would be ideal.
Visitors are greeted with a Listoke 1777 G&T and then given a tour of the distillery. They are then given a sample of 3 different gin profiles to help them to decide which gin style they prefer. Class then gives an introduction and guide to botanicals.
You'll even get to design and distilling your very own 700ml bottle to take home.
Straight away on the nose you'll get aromas of sweet Jasmine blossoms followed by the iconic smell of sharp fresh juniper berries.
There's also an intense spicy smell from the cardamom and a citrusy twist of freshly squeezed orange rind.
A robust and well-rounded gin with a bold taste.
Immediatley, you'll taste Juniper along with citrus notes.
Cardamom and rowan berries provide a perfect amount of spice and heat that linger long after the last sip.
With tonic you've still got that sharp, spicy kick from the cardamom pods and bitter taste from the juniper berries.
It's a fresh taste, very oriental.
If you're into sweet pink gins, this one might not be for you.
A bottle of Listoke 1777 costs €45.95
Listoke 1777 is available to buy in The Loop Dublin Airport, Runway 17 Cork Airport, The Celtic Whiskey Shop Dublin, O'Briens Off Licence's Nationwide, Musgraves, Dunnes Stores, Eurospar, and many other off-licence's nationwide.
Enjoy!
READ MORE: GINFLUENCED: BOATYARD OLD TOM GIN IS THE PERFECT MASHUP OF WHISKEY AND GIN
