A gin from Ballyvolane House named after Bertha, a Droimeann cow from Kerry said to have been the oldest in the world when she died aged 48 in 1993. The gin uses whey alcohol from Irish dairies as its base with locally foraged botanicals.
The concept originates from Ballyvolane being the Gaelic for 'the place of springing heifers' and botanicals include juniper, coriander, bitter orange, grapefruit, sweet orange, lemon, lime, liquorice, orris, angelica, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, cumin, almond, elderflower, and sweet woodruff.
Almond, hay, dried juniper and orange peel, too. Floral angelica. Cumin spiciness develops.
Spice arrives first, with plenty of clove and cardamom. Soon becomes creamy and vanilla-y, joined by fresh citrus peels.
Slightly oily juniper. Lime and liquorice root.
My husband and I have over 50 gins. We smelt this before we tried it and both looked at each other and burst out laughing. “What does that smell remind you of?” “Butt, there is no other way to describe it”. Literally smells like a**e. Cannot drink it. Sorry. I find the taste to be just as unpleasant too... worst Christmas present ever.
Bertha’s revenge is aptly named. I picture a scullery maid secretly infusing the household’s gin with her smelly week-old socks. I’m sorry but this is the poorest gin i’ve tasted in a long time. Maybe pair back the 18 botanicals - less is more.
Absolutely beautiful, received a bottle from my mum and dad in cork. Very fragrant, and beautiful on the palate
I had this in the gin bar in Bath. It was incredible with some chilli added to the glass. Amazing!!!
horrible!!! the worst gin ive tasted. sorry i like gin but i cant drink this stuff; it tastes so peppery that it kills anything else
