Valentia Island Vermouth
Distinctive, elegant, and pioneering, Valentia Island Vermouth is Ireland’s first artisan vermouth, handcrafted on the wild Atlantic coast of County Kerry.
Made from locally sourced white wine, fortified spirit, and infused with hand-harvested island botanicals - including gorse, rosemary, thyme, and Valentia orange - it delivers a harmonious balance of sweetness, citrus, and herbal depth.
Bottled at 18% ABV, it offers vibrant Mediterranean brightness with an unmistakably Irish sense of place.
A symbol of innovation and craft, Valentia Island Vermouth celebrates Ireland’s coastal bounty - a unique aperitif born where land, sea, and spirit meet.
Elegant, aromatic, and proudly Irish, Valentia Island Vermouth is Ireland’s first craft vermouth — a beautifully balanced aperitif inspired by the rugged Atlantic coast and infused with native botanicals and citrus grown on Valentia Island.
Produced in small batches, it reimagines traditional vermouth through an Irish lens, blending handpicked herbs and wild botanicals with local wine and spirit. The result is a vibrant, complex fortified wine that’s equally suited to sipping over ice or as a refined cocktail ingredient.
Bottled at 18% ABV, Valentia Island Vermouth delivers bright citrus, herbal depth, and a delicate bittersweet balance — a true taste of Ireland’s coastal terroir.
Founded by Orla and Iain McDonnell, Valentia Island Vermouth Company was born from a passion for Ireland’s growing craft drinks scene and a deep appreciation for the island’s unique microclimate. Valentia Island, located off the coast of County Kerry, enjoys mild Atlantic weather, allowing citrus and Mediterranean herbs to flourish — rare in Ireland’s climate.
This distinctive terroir inspired the creation of Ireland’s first island-made vermouth, blending tradition and innovation with local produce and sustainable practices. Each batch is handcrafted with precision, reflecting the island’s natural beauty, wild botanicals, and pioneering spirit.
Style: Irish Vermouth (Aromatic Fortified Wine)
Region: Valentia Island, County Kerry, Ireland
Producer: Valentia Island Vermouth Company
Base Wine: Locally sourced Irish white wine
Fortification & Infusion: Fortified with neutral spirit; infused with hand-harvested botanicals and citrus from Valentia Island
Botanical Composition: Gorse flower, rosemary, sage, wild thyme, orange peel, gentian root, wormwood, and local Valentia Island orange
Maturation / Aging: Rested post-blending for flavour integration
Cask Influence: Stainless steel (to preserve freshness)
Filtration / Proofing: Light filtration; blended with spring water from Valentia Island
Appearance: Golden amber
ABV: 18 %
Nose:
Aromas of fresh orange zest, herbs, and gorse blossom with subtle spice and floral tones.
Palate:
Smooth and balanced — a gentle sweetness upfront followed by notes of citrus, rosemary, thyme, and wormwood bitterness. Hints of honey, clove, and sea air add depth and sophistication.
Finish:
Long, aromatic, and delicately bitter with lingering citrus and herbaceous warmth.
Overall Character:
Bright, herbaceous, and refined — a vermouth that captures Ireland’s coastal freshness with Mediterranean finesse.
Neat / Chilled:
Serve over ice with an orange twist for a light, elegant aperitif.
On the Rocks:
Brings out subtle herbal and floral sweetness.
Cocktails:
Versatile and beautifully aromatic — perfect in:
Irish Negroni (with Irish gin)
Valentia Spritz (with prosecco and soda)
Martini (with Irish gin and lemon peel)
Americano
Manhattan twist
Food Pairings:
Charcuterie and soft cheeses
Smoked salmon or seafood
Citrus desserts and pastries
Occasions:
Aperitif and digestif service
Cocktail menus and tasting flights
Pairing dinners and local Irish produce menus
5 The Market Place
Derrylin
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United Kingdom