An Dulaman Santa Ana Armada Strength Gin 50cl
A very special expression of An Dúlamán which is barrel aged in rioja casks
Description
An Dúlamán Santa Ana Armada Strength Gin
Located in the far north west of Ireland, on the rugged atlantic coast, An Dúlamán gin is made in the shadow of Sliabh Liag (a mountain in County Donegal).
The Armada Strength gin is created from a base of the original An Dúlamán Gin, which is then barrel aged in Spanish Rioja casks before being bottled at a higher alcohol Navy Strength. This is the first navy strength gin to be produced in Ireland.
The base An Dúlamán Gin is created using eleven different botanicals - which give it a maritime feel. Six of these are the 'conventional' gin botanicals, including juniper berries. However it is the other five, which give this gin its sense of place (and helps with the name). Five different varieties of locally harvested seaweed capture the “Draíocht na Farraige” or 'magic of the sea'. These five seaweeds are: Carrageen Moss, Dulse, Sugar Kelp, Channel Wrack and Pepper Dulse.
The aging of this gin in Rioja wine casks further enhances the gin, adding both a rose gold hue and a slight sweetness to the complex maritime notes of the original.
The name itself comes from one of the many ships which crashed on the Irish coast. In particular for this gin; La Duquesa Santa Ana, which ran aground off Loughros Mór near Ardara in Donegal. The commander (Alonso de Leyva) was a nobleman from the Rioja region of Spain - which is where the inspiration for the aging process came from.
On the nose there are defined fruit and sweetened oak notes, brought from the casks - as well as a comforting wave of umami (savouriness).
On the palate this is exceptionally soft and smooth (particularly surprising considering the high ABV). Salty maritime notes come through joined by warming spices and peppery juniper. These are rounded out by a hint of anise, and fruity berry notes from the cask aging. It's finish linger in the mouth, and leaves a warming hint of orange.
More from An Dulaman
Perfect Serve
This is delicious in a gin & tonic, and we find it works best (in our opinion) with a neutral tonic - and we liked Three Cents Tonic Water. It can also be enjoyed simply on the rocks, with a twist of orange peel.
Take a large glass and fill with ice. Pour in 50ml of the gin, and then gently pour over 200ml of your chosen tonic. Stir gently and garnish with a slice of orange.
