Glendalough Rose Gin
Glendalough Rose Gin — officially Glendalough Wild Rose Irish Gin — is the County Wicklow distillery's rose-petal gin: vapor-distilled with wild rose foraged from the Wicklow mountains, heritage rose and Damask rose, then infused after distillation with more rose petals for a natural pale-pink hue. No artificial flavors or sweeteners. Bottled at 41% ABV (82 proof) in 750mL for the US market. It's available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 41% (82 proof) — US 750mL SKU (bottle label confirms; home market is 37.5%)
- Size: 750mL (US bottling)
- Roses: wild rose (foraged, Wicklow mountains) + heritage rose + Damask rose — vapor-distilled, then post-infused with rose petals for the pink hue
- Base: a remixed Wild Botanical recipe with fruit, flower and spice notes lifted
- Distillery: Glendalough Distillery, County Wicklow, Ireland
- Story: first made to honor head distiller Ciaran Rooney's mother Rose, at his brother's wedding
A Gin Made for Rose
This one started as a tribute, not a product: head distiller Ciaran "Rowdy" Rooney first made it for his little brother's wedding to honor their mother Rose, who had recently passed — carefully tended flowers from her rose garden vapor-distilled with wild roses and plants from the Wicklow mountains around the distillery. The official notes read bright lemon and blood orange with soft juniper and fresh rose on the nose; distinct rose petal, bright berries, Turkish Delight and citrus with a nectar sweetness on the palate; a long floral finish with pink peppercorn and earthy spice. A World Gin Awards Ireland country winner (2023 and 2021). Explore more craft spirits, or shop the Glendalough collection at Del Mesa.
Tasting Notes
Per the official distillery site: nose — bright lemon and blood orange, soft juniper notes, deeply aromatic and perfumed with fresh rose. Taste — distinct rose petal, bright berries, Turkish Delight, citrus with a nectar sweetness. Finish — long, floral notes lingering with pink peppercorn and a touch of earthy spices.
How to Enjoy
A pink G&T with a premium tonic and a dried rose bud or grapefruit twist — or a French 75 where the rose notes lift the champagne. Serve well chilled.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Glendalough Rose Gin pink?
After distillation it's infused with more rose petals, which deepen the flavor and give the natural pale-pink hue — no artificial colouring.
What roses are used?
Three: wild rose foraged from the Wicklow mountains, heritage rose (from the distiller's mother's garden) and Damask rose.
What is the ABV?
41% ABV (82 proof) for the US 750mL bottle; the home-market 700mL is 37.5%.
Who is Rose?
The late mother of head distiller Ciaran Rooney — the gin was first made in her honor for his brother's wedding.
A tribute in rose petals and juniper — order Glendalough Rose Gin online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.