Highbank Organic Gins - Special Irish Foods & Drinks & The People Who Make Them

DEE LAFFAN spills the beans on Ireland’s newest, smallest – and only organic – distillery

The rumour mill has been in overdrive for the past month that Highbank Farm & Organic Orchards, Co. Killkenny will be distilling a gin in early 2015. The good news is that the highly-aniticipated organic craft gin is being distilled as you read this and will be on the market next month.

Highbank Orchards is an organic farm, owned and run by Rod and Julie Calder-Potts, growing delicious apples and producing apple juice and, most famously, the superb Highbank Organic Syrup that has attractd many accolades including a highly respected Irish Food Writers’ Guild Award in 2013. They also produce fantastic organic craft ciders including Highbank Proper Cider, Drivers Cider and Medieval Cider.

“I really believe that small farmers need to process to survive, by adding value to customers. A lot of artisan farmers are doing that now and it should be celebrated in Ireland,” Julie commented.

For the newest extension to their range, Rod and Julie acquired a small contemporary copper pot still, with rectification column, and began distilling in the first week of December 2014. In that first week of distilling, they produced Highbank Orchard schnapps, vodka, spirit, and liqueur, which is their apple brandy. Not bad for one week of distilling! These alcohols were launched on December 13th on the farm at a community launch, attended by many locals and supporters from further afield.

It is important to note that not only is their distillery the smallest in the country, it is the only organic spirit distillery in Ireland and also the only one where the raw material for the spirits is grown on the farm the distillery is based on. The 100% organic apple alcohol is made from their own apple crops, from field to bottle.

It was a natural progression that gin was next to be added to the list and Rod and Julie have been busy distilling and tasting and will be launching their two organic gins next month. Highbank Pink Flamingo Gin launches on Valentine’s Day, February 14th 2015, and Highbank Crystal Gin will also launch later in the month.

The recipe for the Organic Pink Flamingo Gin, especially what makes it pink, is a closely guarded secret and Julie’s lips are sealed on that particular detail! However, the known ingredients are the 100% organic alcohol, which is produced on the farm, with 14 botanicals and the classical gin aromatics including organic juniper, coriander flower, lavender.

Taste and flavour are of the upmost importance to Rod and Julie, as with all of their products, and distilling drinks of the highest quality in small runs is their objective.

“Highbank Pink Flamingo Gin is to be enjoyed over ice with a slice of lemon or lime. Very simple and flavoursome”, said Julie.

Highbank Farm has also opened its gates to visitors in the past year becoming members of the agri-tourism sector. Domestic and international visitors can have a tour of the farm and distillery, with tastings included, and the opportunity to buy products from the farm shop.

Highbank Pink Flamingo Gin will be available in heart-shaped 50ml, 200ml and 500ml bottles and the normal shaped bottle will be availble in 700ml, from Highbank Farm shop, independent off-licences and on the menu in select fine dining restaurants.

As a bonus, Highbank Organic Pink Flamingo Gin will be available in limited heart-shaped bottles when launched for Valentine’s Day. The perfect gift for the gin lover in your life!

www.highbankorchards.com

Dee Laffan is a freelance food writer and editor. Formerly editor of Easy Food magazine, she has written for the Irish Independent and Sunday Independent. She is a proud supporter of Irish producers and their products, and takes part in judging for food competitions including Blas na hÉireann and the Great Taste Awards. She is a member of the Irish Food Writers' Guild and secretary for Slow Food Dublin. Twitter @deelaffan