Jackford Gin on a high after scooping top award
DESPITE being a company still very much in its infancy, Wexford owned Jackford Irish Potato Gin is well and truly mixing with the big boys, having scooped a gold medal in the gin section at this year’s Irish Whiskey Awards.
The company, owned and operated by the Stafford family of Slaney Farms in Tomnalossett, was born after owner John Stafford was seeking an alternative use for potatoes. While originally they looked into the possibility of making their own crisps, after carrying out some market research, John opted to get into the gin game. Since launching earlier this year, the product has garnered high praise indeed from gin lovers and it received its first piece of industry acclaim last week scooping the gold medal alongside winners Dingle Gin and fellow gold medallists Echlinville Single Estate Irish Pot Still Gin.
‘We were up against stiff competition from all the established brands,’ said John. ‘The award was based on blind testing by experts in the drinks industry both in Ireland and abroad. It’s a great recognition of the quality of Jackford gin.’
The company has already started exporting to Northern Ireland and the UK and plans are already in place to export to the US early next year.
While plans to locate a distillery at the 1798 Centre in Enniscorthy have since fallen through, the company has refused to comment on whether they intend to establish a distillery at another Co Wexford location. However, they are delighted with the success they’ve enjoyed so far.