Castle Freke Distillery

Castle Freke Gin is produced in small batches at the family estate in West Cork using two bespoke copper pot stills, Algy and Percy. Made by German distilling specialists Kothe, both were originally designed for the production of fine brandies before being customised specifically for Castle Freke’s gin.

Production follows a proprietary 50-step process developed through more than a decade of experimentation. The process begins with 96% organic wheat alcohol, organic juniper and other botanicals, including fresh myrtle gathered from the Castle Freke estate. After several days of maceration, the first distillation – the ‘spice run’ – extracts the deeper, earthier botanical character.

Vapour then passes through a rectifier and dephlegmator before being infused through a proprietary botanical basket. The spirit is subsequently redistilled in a second ‘citrus run’, using a carefully selected blend of rare citrus fruits.

Following distillation, the spirit is slowly reduced to bottling strength over several weeks and then allowed to mature for several months, with gentle movement helping to stabilise and refine the final liquid. The resulting gin is designed to be enjoyed chilled, neat or in a very dry Martini.

Castle Freke’s distillery sits within a remarkable historic estate, where the restoration of the castle continues alongside gin production. Castle Freke invites people to get in touch and welcomes visitors by appointment only.