Boatyard Double Gin
Boatyard Double Gin is a juniper-forward Irish craft gin from Fermanagh, known for its double distillation, local botanicals, and balanced citrus profile.
Gin has always been thought of as the prime English spirit, even though it was derived from the Dutch genever and several of the famous ‘English’ gins, like Tanqueray and Gordon’s, were actually made in Scotland.
Then Scotland had its own gin renaissance, beginning with The Botanist in 2010, followed by some stunning award-winning gins like Caorunn, Makar’s, Rock Rose, Edinburgh Gin and Isle of Harris Gin.
In recent years Ireland has been getting in on the gin act, and some of my own favourites have been the brilliant Minke, Glendalough and Shortcross. Now comes another that’s going to become a regular on the gin shelf: Boatyard Double Gin.
Where Is Boatyard Double Gin Made?
Boatyard Double Gin is produced at the Boatyard Distillery, located on the banks of Lough Erne in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. This picturesque region, known for its lakes, farmland, and rural character, plays an important role in shaping the identity of the gin. The distillery itself is built on the site of a disused boatyard, which inspired both its name and its ethos of craftsmanship rooted in place.
The location is not just aesthetic—it is central to the production philosophy. The distillery uses locally sourced ingredients where possible, including botanicals harvested from the founder’s family farm. The surrounding landscape, rich in wild plants such as sweet gale (bog myrtle), contributes directly to the gin’s flavour profile.
Interestingly, Boatyard is also significant historically as Fermanagh’s first legal distillery since 1890, marking a revival of distilling traditions in the region.
History of Boatyard Double Gin
The story of Boatyard Double Gin begins with founder Joe McGirr, who grew up in County Fermanagh and later worked in the spirits industry, including time with the Scotch Malt Whisky Society. Inspired to return home, he founded the Boatyard Distillery in 2013 with the aim of creating high-quality Irish spirits rooted in local tradition.
Boatyard Double Gin was the distillery’s first release and represents a modern interpretation of classic gin styles. While many contemporary craft gins lean heavily into experimental botanicals, Boatyard deliberately embraces a traditional, juniper-forward profile while refining it through innovative distillation techniques.
The brand emerged during a broader revival of Irish craft distilling, particularly in gin, which has seen rapid growth in the 21st century. Boatyard distinguishes itself by combining traditional methods with transparency—famously sharing detailed botanical ratios—and by maintaining a strong emphasis on provenance and sustainability.
Botanicals
Boatyard Double Gin uses a carefully balanced blend of eight botanicals, each contributing to its classic yet distinctive profile. These include:
Juniper
Coriander
Angelica root
Orris root
Liquorice root
Citrus (primarily lemon)
Grains of paradise
Sweet gale (bog myrtle)
Juniper dominates the recipe, making up the majority of the botanical composition and ensuring the gin adheres to a traditional London Dry style profile. Coriander provides a citrusy spice, while angelica and orris roots add earthy, binding notes that help structure the flavour.
One of the most distinctive ingredients is sweet gale, a wild plant historically used in brewing and foraging in Ireland. Harvested from the McGirr family farm, it lends a subtle herbal and slightly resinous character that connects the gin directly to its local environment.
The balance between these botanicals is carefully controlled. For example, Boatyard uses a relatively high proportion of coriander compared to many gins, enhancing its bright and citrus-forward qualities while maintaining complexity.
The Distillation Process
The production of Boatyard Double Gin is defined by its meticulous and somewhat unusual distillation process, known as the double contact method.
The base spirit is made from organically produced Irish wheat, which is fermented and distilled to create a clean, neutral alcohol.
Next, the botanicals are macerated in the spirit for approximately 18 hours. This allows the flavours to infuse deeply before distillation begins.
The key innovation comes during distillation. The process involves both pot and column stills, ensuring purity and control over the spirit. However, what makes Boatyard distinctive is the treatment of juniper:
First, juniper is steeped in the liquid along with the other botanicals.
Then, during distillation, the spirit passes through a vapour chamber containing additional juniper.
This double contact with juniper—both in liquid and vapour form—intensifies its presence in the final spirit. The method is inspired by traditional Dutch genever techniques, sometimes referred to as “dubbel gebeide.”
The result is a gin that is exceptionally clean yet bold, with a pronounced juniper character that remains balanced by the supporting botanicals.
Tasting Boatyard Double Gin
As ever, the proof of the gin is in the tasting. It’s a little more potent than most, at 46% ABV (92 proof). On the nose it is certainly juniper-forward, but packed with citrus too. One of the recommendations is serving it with tonic and a slice of grapefruit, so as a friend had recently given us a bag of his grapefruit, fresh from the tree, and they were as juicy as anything, that’s the way I went. My wife stuck to the more conventional lemon slice.
Both were brilliant. The combination of double juniper, citrus, that extra coriander and, in my case, juice oozing from the grapefruit slice made for a distinctive and very refreshing gin and tonic, with an extra alcoholic kick, which we enjoyed while watching the sun go down over the nearby mountains.
Now Available in the USA
Now available for purchase in the U.S. through Banfi Fine Wine & Spirits Merchants at $39.99, Boatyard Double Gin can also be found as the featured gin in NYC’s most beloved bars, including Dante, Carbone, Torrisi, Eleven Madison Park and the Chelsea Hotel Lobby Bar
Now Available in the USA
Now available for purchase in the U.S. through Banfi Fine Wine & Spirits Merchants at $39.99, Boatyard Double Gin can also be found as the featured gin in NYC’s most beloved bars, including Dante, Carbone, Torrisi, Eleven Madison Park and the Chelsea Hotel Lobby Bar
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