The Distiller’s Notebook
Stories, insights and reflections from Castle Freke. Exploring the craft, ingredients, heritage and philosophy behind our pursuit of perfection.
Castle Freke Gin Joins the Prestigious Gin Guild
On Friday, 9 October 2026, Castle Freke Gin celebrated a significant milestone as founder Stephen Evans-Freke was formally inducted into the prestigious Gin Guild at a traditional white-tie ceremony in London.
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A Taste of Terroir: Castle Freke Distillery and the Heritage of Agrumes Schaller
In the world of premium spirits, provenance matters. People increasingly seek products with genuine stories, distinctive origins, and a clear sense of place. This philosophy lies at the heart of the partnership between Castle Freke Distillery in West Cork and the renowned French citrus grower Agrumes Schaller.
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Press Release (8th July, 2026): Castle Freke Gin Awarded Gold Medal by the 2026 San Francisco World Spirits Competition
Castle Freke Gin — the world’s first true sipping gin — has been awarded a Gold Medal at the 2026 San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC), one of the industry’s most respected and influential judging events.
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Castle Freke owner launches luxury gin as €20m restoration project continues in West Cork, by Tommy Barker, Published by the Irish Examiner (June 14th, 2026)
A 25-year restoration journey has revived a historic West Cork landmark while inspiring a premium gin venture.
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Press Release (5th June, 2026): Announcing the U.S. Debut of Castle Freke Irish Gin, the World’s First True Sipping Gin
Reimagining Gin as an Ultra-Luxury Spirit Expressing the Finest Art of Distilling, Castle Freke Gin Launches with Events in New York, Partners with Park Street and Flaviar for U.S. Sales and Distribution.
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How a gin-selling Wall Street banker bought and restored his ancestral West Cork castle, by Alanna Gallagher, Published by the Irish Times (June 2nd, 2025)
Wall Street millions have helped restore the historic Castle Freke in Co Cork. Owned by the Evans-Freke family until 1921, it was brought back into the family fold around 2000.
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Castle Freke by Robert O’Byrne, Published by the Irish Georgian Society Review (10th October, 2023)
Once a Sad Sight in the West Cork Countryside, Castle Freke has found a new and imaginative savior.
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DISCOVER OUR GIN
Castle Freke Gin is distilled in very small batches with rare organic and wild-gathered botanicals sourced from across the world, including Macedonian and Tuscan juniper, Nile Delta coriander, myrtle from the Castle demesne, and six rare citrus fruits from the celebrated Pyrenean orchards of Agrumes Schaller – the world renowned supplier to the finest Michelin star restaurants.
