US native Eoin Holmes had an ambition to establish a distillery in the west of Ireland,  The big question was, however, where would be the ideal location for such an enterprise? Inspired by the wild and rugged beauty of the landscape, the purity and abundance of the Lough Mask waters, and the rich culture and history of the area, he knew he had to set up the operation in Killateeaun (Coill an tSian, Fairy Wood), near Tourmakeady. Now the distillery is located on the shores of the lake in a reconditioned building. Eoin, who came to Ireland as an infant and now resides in Westport, admitted: “We discovered the empty building a few years back and have restored it, making it ready to house our micro-distillery. Our production started early this year (2018), and our first spirits are now flowing.” A classic London Dry style gin, inspired by the wild juniper berries and botanicals that grow in abundance around the Lough Mask Distillery in Co. Mayo. While this gin is traditionally juniper-led, there are also delicious hints of lemon citrus, nutty angelica root and spicy coriander. The finish is crisp and fresh and dominated by piney juniper.