Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish gin, a staple brand in Irish airport duty free and in other markets, has won the International Spirit Brand of the Year at the 2022 Wine Enthusiast Star Awards. The brand works closely with Barry Geoghegan’s Duty Free Global across selected markets.
The annual awards celebrate the innovation of individuals and companies that have “significantly contributed to the success of the wine and alcohol beverage world”.
Drumshanbo Gunpowder was the only Irish brand, and one of just two European distilleries, to make the shortlist, beating off stiff competition from some of the biggest spirit brands in the world. Jack Daniel’s owner Brown-Forman and Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson’s Teremana Tequila were also nominated in the category.
Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish gin is produced by the independent, family-owned The Shed Distillery in Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim.
Pat Rigney, who owns The Shed with his wife and business partner Denise Rigney, said he was “immensely proud of this recognition for all our staff and team”. He added it was “a dream come true, like winning Champions League”.
“Credit must go to my amazing family of team members in Drumshanbo and our long-term distribution partners, not least in the USA with Palm Bay International,” Rigney said.
Former wrestler and Hollywood star Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson was quick to congratulate the Irish distillery. In a Twitter post he said, “That’s a big one. I look forward to trying your Irish gin; I can see you guys are a passionate brand and proud distillery.”
Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish gin has become one of the great success stories of Irish business in recent years. Launched in 2016, it is now available in over 80 countries and is one of the fastest growing super-premium gin brands globally.
