The Echlinville Distillery, located in Newtownards, is the proud home of Feckin Gin, an exceptional spirit crafted with utmost care and attention. As a sommelier and brewer, I can confidently say that Feckin Gin stands out from the crowd due to its unique production process and the exceptional quality of its ingredients.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Echlinville Distillery is that it is Ireland's first farm distillery. This means that every step of the gin-making process, from sowing the barley seeds to distilling the final product, takes place on their family farm. This level of control over the entire production chain ensures that only the finest ingredients are used, resulting in a gin of unparalleled quality.
The barley used in Feckin Gin is carefully grown and nurtured on the Echlinville farm, which benefits from the unique micro-climate of the Ards Peninsula. This region provides the ideal conditions for barley cultivation, allowing it to develop its distinct flavors and characteristics. The attention to detail in growing and harvesting the barley by hand ensures that only the best grains are selected for the gin-making process.
Once the barley is harvested, it is malted on-site at the Echlinville Distillery. Malting is a crucial step in the production of Feckin Gin, as it helps to release the sugars that will later be fermented into alcohol. The malted barley is then carefully milled and mixed with water to create a mash, which is then fermented using specially selected yeast strains. This fermentation process converts the sugars in the barley into alcohol, creating the base for the gin.
The next step in the production process is distillation, and Echlinville Distillery employs the traditional trickle pot distillation method. This method involves distilling the gin in small batches using copper pot stills, which allows for more control over the flavors and aromas that are extracted from the botanicals. The use of copper stills also helps to remove any impurities, resulting in a smoother and more refined gin.
Feckin Gin is crafted using a variety of botanicals, including juniper berries, coriander seeds, angelica root, and citrus peel. These carefully selected botanicals are added to the distilled spirit and left to infuse for a period of time, allowing the flavors to meld together and develop their unique character. The result is a gin that is both complex and balanced, with a harmonious blend of botanicals that complement each other perfectly.
Feckin Gin is made at the Echlinville Distillery, Ireland's first farm distillery located in Newtownards. The barley used in the gin is sown, grown, harvested, and malted by hand on their family farm, benefiting from the unique micro-climate of the Ards Peninsula. The barley is then distilled using the traditional trickle pot method, resulting in a smooth and refined gin. The addition of carefully selected botanicals adds complexity and balance to the final product. Feckin Gin truly embodies the passion and dedication of the Echlinville Distillery and is a testament to the exceptional quality that can be achieved through a meticulous and hands-on approach to gin-making.