By Michelle Crean

A newly launched unique gin is not only a sweet success locally but also internationally after being featured in Vogue Magazine!

And not only that but Muckross Gin, established in Killarney in 2020 by Andrea Kissane and Martin Wray, has already picked up a silver medal in the design category at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

The couple are now working with Classic Drinks as their Irish distributor and say they are excited to be pouring in more bars and restaurants, and to be on shelves in more retail outlets, across the country this year.

"We were delighted to be included in the British Vogue 'New Picks for 2022'," Andrea told the Killarney Advertiser. "It's lovely to receive the recognition and the support that comes with it. But what's been even more important to us is the support that we've received locally from retailers and customers. Nothing can compare to that."

Muckross Gin is a small batch which is big on botanicals, she added.

"Muckross Wild Irish Gin is distilled in Ireland with all 10 botanicals; hawthorn, blackthorn, heather, rosehip, rosemary, bitter orange, grapefruit, juniper, angelica and coriander, placed in the still at the same time, and then bottled at 40% ABV to make it a perfect London Dry style spirit.

Speaking about the San Francisco award she said that they were thrilled to get it because their detailed branding was a labour of love.

"The custom-designed bottle is tactile and is embossed with striking designs that include a secret toast on the base of the bottle. The centrepiece of the label was inspired by the bold architecture of Muckross House itself, specifically the windows on the top floor of the house. And the specially commissioned illustration celebrates the wild vistas of this special pocket of the world. This feedback gave us so much encouragement that we had truly made our brand vision come to life, and it was a real kudos for such a new brand to be recognised in this way."