Blas na hÉireann
At the 14th annual Irish Food Awards, which took place on 2 October 2021, Maharani Gin won a silver medal, which is the ultimate seal of approval for quality food and drink made in Ireland. Blas na hÉireann, The Irish Food Awards is the biggest competition for distinguishing excellence amongst the food and drink produce made on the island of Ireland.
According to Chairperson Artie Clifford:
“Despite the very challenging situation, I am delighted to report a record entry level from producers right across the island. This large increase in entries has raised the bar across all categories.”
Rebel City Distillery’s multi-award-winning Maharani Gin went through a rigorous judging process to be awarded a silver medal at Blas na hÉireann. Developed with University College Cork and the University of Copenhagen Blas na hÉireann uses blind tasting and the competition is extremely tough regardless of the number of entries there are only five finalists in each category.
Talking about the win, Robert Barrett, Co-Founder and Head Distiller says:
“We are over the moon. This is our fifth award in a little less than a year since our launch. However, Blas na hÉireann means so much to us as it as it is synonymous with very best Irish food and drink product. We’ve been focusing on creating a new taste profile in gin a balanced mix of spice, citrus and sweetness with our botanicals sourced from a women’s organic farming co-operative in Kerala. We are delighted to see this being recognised.”
About Us
Rebel City Distillery heralds a new wave of craftsmanship in Cork as it is the first distillery within its city limits for almost 50 years. Fusing a longstanding heritage of craft with a splash of experimentalism, Rebel City Distillery was founded in 2020 by husband-and-wife Robert and Bhagya alongside Robert’s father Brendan Barrett.
Maharani Gin celebrates a fusion of Cork and Kerala cultures, from where Robert and Bhagya respectively come from. Maharani Gin is an homage to Kerala women who are known for their strength and importance in society. Maharani is zested with pomelo fruit, and uniquely spiced with cassia and nutmeg-mace, all sourced from a women’s organic farming co-operative in Kerala, India.
Rebel City Distillery is breathing new life into a former Ford factory building, where it crafts, distils and bottles a unique range of spirits on-site. The distillery will produce premium spirits, which draw inspiration from around the world. The company is also planning to open a visitor centre next year offering tours, tastings and a gin school experience.
To try Maharani Gin yourself check out our online shop or stockist page.