Introduction to Blood Monkey Irish Gin
Blood Monkey Irish Gin isn’t your typical craft gin. In a world where gin has become increasingly pretentious—obsessed with cucumber garnishes and delicate botanicals—Blood Monkey takes a bold, no-nonsense approach. Inspired by the original Genever recipe, the “godfather” of gin, this premium Irish gin offers a fresh, full-bodied experience for gin lovers.
What sets Blood Monkey apart is its heritage and commitment to independent distilling. It’s not afraid to go against the grain, boasting bold flavours and smoothness that encourage you to enjoy it neat. Whether you’re a seasoned gin enthusiast or just starting your gin journey, Blood Monkey invites you to cut through the noise and enjoy a gin experience that’s unapologetically unique.
The History of Blood Monkey Gin
Blood Monkey Gin draws inspiration from the 17th-century sailors who, desperate to get their hands on precious liquor, would drill into the officers’ barrels—a practice called “bleeding the monkey.” This rebellious spirit is at the core of Blood Monkey’s brand identity, a nod to those who go after what they want without pretence.
Beyond this history, Blood Monkey is also deeply rooted in the Genever tradition, which hails from the Netherlands and is considered the ancestor of modern gin. But unlike typical Genever, which is often heavy and grain-forward, Blood Monkey offers a cleaner, more modern take.
This gin is crafted from 100% malted Irish barley and undergoes triple distillation to ensure a smooth, round flavour. Its signature botanicals—Szechuan pepper, Kaffir lime, and Irish rosemary—further separate it from the crowd. Unlike many modern gins that are dominated by juniper, Blood Monkey dials down the juniper to allow its unique ingredients to shine.
Tasting Notes: Bold Flavors in Every Sip
When you pour a glass of Blood Monkey, you immediately notice its malty base, a rich departure from more common gins. As it touches the palate, the bold botanicals come forward—earthy notes from the rosemary, spicy tingles from the Szechuan pepper, and refreshing hints of kaffir lime.
But there’s more to this gin than just bold botanicals. Blood Monkey also brings subtle citrus and almond notes that round out the experience, giving it a depth and complexity that gin enthusiasts will appreciate. As it lingers, you’ll even detect a smoky hint, thanks to the whiskey-inspired malted barley.
Blood Monkey is designed to be enjoyed neat, and it delivers a full-bodied experience with every sip. But for those who prefer mixing, its versatile flavour profile makes it perfect for classic cocktails, too.
How to Enjoy Blood Monkey Gin?
Blood Monkey’s smooth, bold flavour invites you to enjoy it straight up, but if you prefer cocktails, this gin is more than ready to play. Here are a few ways to enjoy Blood Monkey, whether you’re a purist or someone who likes to mix things up:
Blood Monkey Gin Neat
The bold flavours of Blood Monkey mean it’s one of the few gins that’s truly enjoyable on its own. Pour it over ice and take a moment to savour its maltiness, herbaceousness, and subtle hints of smoke. This is how Blood Monkey was designed to be enjoyed, with no garnishes or mixers required.
Blood Monkey Gin & Tonic
Of course, gin lovers can’t resist a good Gin & Tonic, and Blood Monkey takes this classic cocktail to the next level. Its citrus notes play beautifully with tonic water, while the Szechuan pepper and rosemary give the drink a unique twist. For the perfect serve, opt for a quality tonic with no artificial sweeteners, and garnish with a simple twist of lime peel.
Blood Monkey Martini
For a more refined option, try a Blood Monkey Martini. The smoothness of the gin pairs perfectly with dry vermouth, and a lemon twist will highlight the gin’s citrus undertones. The result is a cocktail that’s both classic and modern, much like the gin itself.
Modern Negroni
Blood Monkey’s bold, savoury profile makes it an excellent base for a Modern Negroni. Swap out traditional gin for Blood Monkey, and the gin’s herbal notes will perfectly complement the bittersweet flavours of Campari and sweet vermouth.
No matter how you choose to enjoy it, Blood Monkey cuts through the pretension. It’s a gin designed for those who value authenticity over trends.
What Sets Blood Monkey Apart
In an increasingly crowded gin market, what makes Blood Monkey stand out? It’s not just the bold flavours or the unique botanicals—it’s the rebellious spirit and dedication to craft distilling that make this gin a true original.
While most gins lean heavily on juniper, Blood Monkey dials down the juniper to let its distinctive botanicals take the stage. The triple distillation process using malted Irish barley gives it a round, full-bodied flavour that’s rarely found in modern gins.
And then there’s the branding. Blood Monkey doesn’t take itself too seriously, and it encourages its drinkers to do the same. In a world where many craft gins have become increasingly pretentious, Blood Monkey offers a refreshing alternative. Whether you drink it neat or in a cocktail, this gin is about enjoying the experience—no cucumber garnish required.
The Craft Gin Movement in Ireland
Ireland has long been known for its whiskey, but in recent years, Irish gin has made waves on the global stage. The craft gin movement in Ireland has led to a surge of independent distilleries producing high-quality spirits that rival the best in the world.
Blood Monkey is part of this movement, taking advantage of Ireland’s rich agricultural heritage to produce a gin that’s rooted in tradition but with a modern twist. Its use of locally sourced botanicals like Irish rosemary is a testament to the care and attention that goes into crafting this small-batch gin.
As Irish gin continues to grow in popularity, Blood Monkey stands out as a brand that’s pushing boundaries while staying true to its roots. With its bold flavours and rebellious spirit, it’s helping to redefine what Irish gin can be.
FAQs: Gin Tips for Beginners and Enthusiasts
What can I mix with gin instead of tonic?
If tonic isn’t your thing, don’t worry! You can mix gin with ginger ale, soda water, or even a splash of vermouth. Each mixer brings out different aspects of the gin’s flavour profile, so experiment to find what you like best.
What is the most popular way to drink gin?
The most popular way to enjoy gin is in a Gin & Tonic, but other classic cocktails like the Martini and Negroni are also well-loved by gin enthusiasts.
What kind of drink is gin?
Gin is a distilled alcoholic beverage that is flavoured with botanicals, most notably juniper berries. It can be enjoyed neat or mixed in cocktails.
Is gin better with tonic or soda?
This depends on personal taste. Tonic adds a bit of bitterness that complements the botanicals in gin, while soda water is a lighter, more neutral option that lets the gin’s flavours take centre stage.
How do beginners drink gin?
Beginners might start with a simple Gin & Tonic or a gin-based cocktail with a mild mixer like soda water. Blood Monkey’s smoothness also makes it a great choice for those new to drinking gin neat.
Can gin be drunk straight?
Yes! Smooth gins like Blood Monkey are designed to be enjoyed neat. Pour it over ice, take a sip, and savour the flavours without any mixers.
Is gin stronger than vodka?
It depends on the alcohol content, but generally, gin and vodka have similar ABV (alcohol by volume) percentages. The key difference is that gin is flavoured with botanicals, while vodka is typically neutral.
How do you drink gin like a pro?
To drink gin like a pro, focus on sipping and paying attention to the flavours of the botanicals. If drinking neat (just how we like it!), make sure it’s well-chilled to enhance the tasting experience.
Why do you add ice before gin?
Adding ice before pouring gin chills the spirit, helping to open up the flavours and soften the alcohol’s bite.
Is gin healthier than vodka?
Both spirits are relatively low in calories compared to sugary cocktails, but gin has an edge due to the antioxidants in the botanicals, particularly juniper.
Why do you not shake gin?
Shaking gin can bruise the botanicals, muting the Flavors. Instead, stirring gin allows you to mix without compromising its delicate flavour profile.
Conclusion
Blood Monkey Irish Gin isn’t just another craft gin—it’s a bold, flavourful spirit that challenges the norms of modern gin. Whether you’re enjoying it neat or in a cocktail, Blood Monkey delivers an authentic, no-frills experience that’s perfect for gin enthusiasts who appreciate quality and character. So raise your glass, and toast to a gin that cuts through the noise—just like the sailors who bled the monkey centuries ago.