Blackwater No 5 Gin

A slow run in a 300-litre copper pot stillPot stillA traditional still, often copper, that distils in batches. It keeps more texture and character than a column.Glossary nicknamed Sally produces Blackwater No.5 Gin. The spirit runs over at approximately 30 litres per hour, and soft local water is used alongside it. Made at Ballyduff Upper in County Waterford, this Irish London DryLondon DryA style, not a place of origin: every flavour comes from distilling natural botanicals. After distillation only water and a trace of sugar may be added, with no flavouring or colouring.GlossarySee London Dry gins is bottled at 40% ABV.

Citrus · Dry · Spicy

The recipe draws on the botanicals imported by Whites of Waterford in the 19th century, when spices travelled through the port. Juniper, coriander, cinnamon, lemon and orris rootOrris rootIris rhizome dried for years, then ground. Powdery and violet-like, it mainly works as a fixative that binds and lengthens the other aromas.Glossary are among the named ingredients. Cardamom, liquorice, nutmeg, cracked pepper and orange also appear in the published selection.

Fresh white pepper is the first impression on the nose, followed by the resinousResinousAn aroma reminiscent of pine or fir resin. It is juniper's signature, due to compounds such as pinene.Glossary character of juniper. Cinnamon, cardamom and nutmeg suggest warm spice, while lemon and orange bring brightness to it.

The palate is clean and lightly citrusy, and the dry finish keeps a touch of sweetness, to which liquorice adds a soft, sweet-spiced note.

No.5 won an IWSC silver spirit award with 91 points in 2024. The 700 ml bottle bears an 1844 map of the Blackwater River, connecting the presentation to its Waterford setting.

For a Basil Smash, tear 5 to 6 basil leaves into a shaker and add 2.25 cl sugar syrup, 2.25 cl fresh lemon juice and 5 cl gin. Add ice and shake for 8 to 10 seconds, then double-strainDouble strainThe cocktail goes through the shaker strainer and then a fine strainer, which catches ice shards and pulp.Glossary into an ice-filled rocks glassRocks glassA short, heavy glass (tumbler) for a spirit over a large ice cube or a short cocktail.Glossary. Garnish with a fresh basil leaf. The lemon juice brings acidity to the dry gin and the syrup balances it, while basil adds a fresh green fragrance that sits comfortably beside the citrus and spice of the recipe.