Drumshanbo: The Curious Journey Distillery Tour

Gin gets more interesting at the source. The Shed Distillery of PJ Rigney runs real production on site, and I love the guided tasting of single pot still Irish whiskey plus the final botanical glasshouse gin and tonic. The only catch is the whole experience is short, so if you want long, slow sipping, this may feel a bit fast.

This tour is built around Curious Ambassadors leading an interactive walk through the distillery and then finishing with drinks in a great setting. You also get time for a browse at the giftshop, and the onsite Jackalope Café is there if you want to keep the day going. With that said, do plan around the 1 hour duration so you do not end up rushing your schedule.

Key highlights to look for

• Fully operational distillery in County Leitrim, not a staged demo
• Two expert tastings included in the ticket price
• Honey Badger Bar inside the Botanical Glasshouse for the gin and tonic finish
• Smooth, single pot still Irish whiskey tasting as your first pour
• Curious giftshop shopping, plus local fine foods and bottle editions (when available)
• Wheelchair accessible, with a live English-speaking guide

Drumshanbo at The Shed Distillery: why it feels special

Drumshanbo is not trying to be flashy. It’s about craft, and The Shed Distillery of PJ Rigney is the kind of place where you can see that the product is actually being made, not just presented.

What makes this experience practical is that it gives you two different tastes that actually teach you something. First you sample a single pot still Irish whiskey style pour, then you switch to Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish gin with a mixer at the Honey Badger Bar. You get a quick education without needing a full day or a big tour group commitment.

The short 1-hour format, and what you should expect

This is a 1 hour, guided experience. That matters, because the value comes from focus, not from endless time sitting in one room.

I like that the pacing is designed for decision-making. You taste whiskey first, learn what to notice, then you shift to gin where the flavor takes on a more aromatic, botanical angle, and you finish with a gin and tonic you can actually evaluate. If you are the type who likes to sample and then choose what to buy, this format fits you.

Potential drawback: because it is only 1 hour, you will not get the kind of slow, second-round tasting you might get on a longer tour. If you want to compare multiple whiskey expressions at length, you may have to do extra sipping later at a café or bar.

Starting point: The Shed Distillery of PJ Rigney

Your tour starts at The Shed Distillery of PJ Rigney. This is where the group gathers before walking through the working spaces and the key story of how Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin is produced.

Even before you taste, the “fully operational” angle matters. It changes the vibe from a museum-like stop into something more like watching a craft in motion. You also get a guided, interactive structure from the start, with Curious Ambassadors steering what you look at and what you pay attention to.

Tip: arrive with a little curiosity and an empty stomach if you can. A tasting tour is better when you are not already distracted by lunch plans.

Whiskey tasting: your first pour and how to read it

The first tasting on this tour centers on Drumshanbo Single Pot Irish Whiskey, distilled at The Shed Distillery. This is where the tour earns its keep for people who do not just want to drink, they want to understand.

Single pot still Irish whiskey tends to be smooth, with character that shows up even in a small tasting. On a short tour, the guide’s job is to help you notice that structure fast: texture, balance, and the way the flavor changes as it warms in your glass.

Also, the whiskey is not separate from the gin story. It sets you up to compare distillation style and flavor direction. If you like whiskey, you’ll likely find it easier to appreciate the gin’s different profile after the first tasting.

Gin in the Botanical Glasshouse: what makes it a better finish

After whiskey, the tour switches gears to Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin. This is where the Botanical Glasshouse becomes more than a pretty room.

You finish with a gin and tonic at the Honey Badger Bar, located in that Botanical Glasshouse. The setting matters because gin is about aroma, and a space built around plants and botanicals helps you catch more of those cues. You are not just tasting a drink, you are tasting the idea of the drink.

One detail I really like from the experience description is that the gin is specifically connected to the Gunpowder style. The tour’s structure pushes you to treat this as a distinct expression, not a generic gin pour.

Honey Badger Bar and the gin and tonic moment

This is the part most people remember, mainly because it is the clearest “try it and evaluate it” stop. You get a refreshing Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish gin and tonic after the guided tastings, served at the Honey Badger Bar.

For your planning, think of this final drink as the moment to slow down. It is your chance to decide what you personally enjoy: the gin’s botanical character, the way it plays with tonic, and whether you like it more neat in flavor or when mixed.

Practical tip: take a small sip, then a pause. Gin can shift quickly, especially as the drink warms. That short pause helps you catch the differences you might otherwise miss in a quick tasting line.

Curious giftshop, local fine foods, and bottle editions

Between tastings and your final drink, you’ll have time to visit the giftshop. This is not just souvenirs. The shop can include exclusive distillery bottle editions, local fine foods, and unique gifts.

From a value standpoint, this matters because tasting tours work best when you can turn “I liked that” into “I can bring this home.” If you are a take-home shopper, you’ll likely appreciate having buying time right at the distillery rather than later at a generic retail store.

If you are more of a snack person, keep an eye out for local fine foods. That gives you something to pair with later purchases or simply extend the good mood after your drink.

Jackalope Café: what to do after your tour

The onsite Jackalope Café is there if you want to unwind and keep eating and drinking. Since the tour itself is about an hour, the café is a useful next step for stretching the day without booking another timed activity.

I recommend using it as a buffer. If you like to take your time after tastings, grabbing a bite soon after helps you avoid the “run to the next place while still deciding what you enjoyed” feeling.

Price and value: $26 for two tastings, in a working distillery

At $26 per person, this is priced like a tasting experience, not a full-day tour. What makes it feel like good value is that the ticket includes two guided tastings, then a gin and tonic at the Honey Badger Bar.

Many tours charge similar or more and give you one taste plus a lot of standing around. Here, the time is built around drinking and learning, with the gin and tonic finish as the payoff.

Group tours also tend to vary in how much attention you get. This one is guided by Curious Ambassadors, and the structure sounds interactive, which usually means less dead time and more “you are doing something” moments.

Who this tour suits best, and who might pass

This tour is a strong fit if you want a short, focused outing in Drumshanbo. You’ll enjoy it if you like distilleries, you want to taste both whiskey and gin, and you would rather spend an hour learning than half a day commuting.

It also works well for people who want a practical souvenir plan. The giftshop includes bottle editions and local fine foods, so you can turn your favorite taste into something to take home.

You might choose another format if you are a hardcore whiskey person who wants deeper tasting flights, or if you simply like longer sessions. The 1 hour duration keeps things moving.

What I’d do to plan your day around it

If you can, plan this as a first-activity stop or a midpoint break. Start with the distillery tour, then use the Jackalope Café to extend the experience without rushing.

Bring a light layer if you feel cold in glasshouse-type spaces. Even when the sun is out, glass and plant environments can feel cooler than you expect.

Finally, take a moment in your car or on a bench to note what you liked. When you later shop for a bottle, your memory will be clearer and you will make better choices.

Should you book the Drumshanbo Gunpowder Gin distillery tour?

Yes, if you want a working distillery experience with two tastings and a gin and tonic finish, all in a tight 1 hour window. At $26, the value comes from drink time plus guided tastings, not just a walk through a building.

I would book it if you like both whiskey and gin, or if you want to figure out which one you actually prefer from this distillery. If you hate rushing, or you want very deep tasting comparisons, you might want a longer tasting option elsewhere.

Either way, this is one of those tours where the setting and the product match. You taste the whiskey first, then you end in the Botanical Glasshouse with the gin, so the whole experience stays coherent from start to sip.

FAQ

Where is the tour located?

The tour is in Leitrim, Ireland, at The Shed Distillery of PJ Rigney.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $26 per person.

How long is the distillery tour?

The duration is 1 hour. Check availability to see starting times.

What tastings are included in the tour?

The tour includes an expert tasting of Drumshanbo Single Pot Irish Whiskey and finishing with Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin and Tonic.

Where is the gin and tonic served?

The gin and tonic is served at the Honey Badger Bar in the Botanical Glasshouse.

Is the tour guide provided during the experience?

Yes, there is a live tour guide and the tour is in English.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the experience is wheelchair accessible.

Can I cancel or pay later?

There is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later.