Randalstown craft gin named Best in Ireland at international Gin Guide Awards

Frankie & Eileen’s Craft Gin has been named Best in Ireland at The Gin Guide Awards 2026, marking a major achievement for the small and independent distillery based in Randalstown, Co Antrim.

Now in its ninth year, The Gin Guide Awards are recognised internationally for its independent blind tasting process and high judging standards. This year’s competition featured entries from 36 countries, judged by a panel made up of distillers, spirits buyers, drinks writers, and hospitality professionals.

The prestigious panel of expert judges said Frankie & Eileen’s London Dry Gin stood out for “its balance, character, and clean finish”, earning top honours for Ireland in a highly competitive international competition.

“We’re genuinely delighted with this award,” says co-founder of the small business Deborah Mitchell. “When we created Frankie & Eileen’s, the aim was simple. We wanted to make a gin people here and elsewhere would truly enjoy drinking and sharing.

“To now be recognised as Best in Ireland by such a respected awards body means a huge amount to us and to everyone involved. It is a massive business boost as we seek to grow sales,” adds Deborah.

Named after the founders’ grandmothers, it is handcrafted by distiller Neil Armstrong using a custom copper pot still built by local craftsmen.

The award is another important boost for Northern Ireland’s burgeoning craft gin scene and reflects the continued rise in quality and recognition for independent Irish producers on the international stage.

Produced in small batches and carefully distilled and bottled at Randalstown, Frankie & Eileen’s Craft Gin is designed as a versatile London Dry Gin that works equally well in a classic martini cocktail or simply paired with premium tonic, cucumber, or lime.

The gin is available online, through selected stockists, and directly from Frankie & Eileen’s Craft Distillery in the Co Antrim town.

The gin is part of a business group at Randalstown that also includes an independent brewery that has achieved global recognition, taking home two ‘World’s Best’ titles at the 2025 World Beer Awards.