An Dúlamán Santa Ana Armada Strength Gin

An Dúlamán Santa Ana Armada Strength Gin is a navy strength expression created by Sliabh Liag Distillers in County Donegal, Ireland. It is based on An Dúlamán Irish Maritime Gin and was developed as a tribute to Donegal's historic links with the Spanish Armada. The gin takes its name from La Duquesa Santa Ana, an Andalusian ship that ran aground near Loughros Mor in 1588, whose crew made their way on foot to the harbour at Killybegs. Santa Ana is presented as Ireland's first navy strength gin, bottled at 57 percent alcohol by volume and released as a limited expression that highlights both the Atlantic coast and the distillery's maritime heritage.

The spirit is built on the same coastal foundation as the original An Dúlamán: a combination of classic gin botanicals and five locally harvested seaweeds from the Donegal shoreline. Juniper, coriander seed, angelica, cassia bark, lemon peel and orange peel provide a familiar gin structure, while sugar kelp, dulse, pepper dulse, carrageen moss and channel wrack contribute layers of salinity, umami and gentle bitterness. After distillation, Santa Ana is matured in Spanish Rioja wine casks from the region associated with the ship's commander. This cask ageing lends the gin a pale rose gold colour and introduces a subtle sweetness and red-fruit character that sit on top of the original maritime profile.

On the nose, An Dúlamán Santa Ana shows fruit and sweet oak over a soft maritime base, with floral hints, light spice and a touch of liquorice. There is an impression of red berries and grape skins from the Rioja casks, carried by bright juniper and sea air. The palate is notably soft and smooth for a 57 percent spirit. Salty coastal notes and savoury brine are joined by peppery juniper, warming spices and a discreet note of anise. The cask influence brings a slight orange madeira-like sweetness, flavours of candied citrus peel and juicy blackberry or other dark berry notes. The finish is long, warming and persistent, with orange and sweet oak lingering alongside a gentle dryness.

The presentation of Santa Ana continues the visual language of the An Dúlamán range. The dark, compact bottle takes its cue from old glass recovered from Armada wrecks, and each bottle is sealed with wax. Batch numbers are linked to the phases of the moon, echoing traditional knowledge of tides and seaweed harvesting on the Atlantic coast and reinforcing the link between the gin, the sea and local practice.

An Dúlamán Santa Ana Armada Strength Gin has been recognised at international competitions, including a Silver medal in the Best Navy Gin category at the World Gin Awards 2020. It is designed to be enjoyed neat or over ice as a sipping gin, where the interaction between maritime character and Rioja cask influence is most evident. It also works well in a gin and tonic made with a high quality tonic water, where a simple citrus garnish allows the coastal and berry notes to stand out, and can be used in classic cocktails such as a Martini for drinkers who appreciate a pronounced, structured navy strength style.