Major Award for Unique Randalstown Gin
Frankie & Eileen’s Craft Gin has been named Best in Ireland at The Gin Guide
Awards 2026, marking a major achievement for the independent distillery which is
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.
Frankie & Eileen’s London Dry Gin, a FoodNI member, stood out for “its balance,
character, and clean finish”, earning top honours for Ireland in a highly competitive
competition.
“We’re genuinely delighted with this award,” said co-founder Deborah Mitchell.
“When we created Frankie & Eileen’s, the aim was simple. We wanted to make a gin
people 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,” adds Deborah.
The award is another important moment for Northern Ireland’s craft drinks scene and
reflects the continued rise in quality and recognition for independent Irish producers
on the international stage.
Produced in small batches in Randalstown, Frankie & Eileen’s Craft Gin is bottled at
41% ABV and is designed as a versatile London Dry Gin that works equally well in a
classic martini or paired simply with premium tonic, cucumber, or lime.
The gin is available online, through selected stockists, and directly from Frankie &
Eileen’s Craft Distillery.
The gin is part of a business at Randalstown that also includes a small, independent
brewery that has achieved global recognition, taking home two ‘World’s Best’ titles at
the prestigious 2025 World Beer Awards.
