Blackwater No.5 Gin: Nineteenth-Century Waterford Imports in Modern Irish Gin

Item: Blackwater No.5 Gin: Nineteenth-Century Waterford Imports in Modern Irish Gin
Rating: 8
Author: Joe Whitfield

Joe Whitfield February 16, 2026 1 views

8 /10

EDITOR

Distillery: Blackwater Distillery
Type: London Dry
ABV: 41.5% ABV
Price: £45
Botanicals: juniper, nutmeg, liquorice, coriander, cinnamon, lavender, lemon peel, orange peel, rose, patchouli

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Tasting Notes

Nose

Glorious mix of juniper, fresh citrus and herbs — lavender, herbs of Provence, mint, coriander and liquorice with lemon-lime-orange, reminiscent of a 19th-century spice warehouse

Palate

Dry and floral with prominent juniper — surprisingly floral with lavender, rose, patchouli and lemon balm, silky viscous texture with juniper upfront, then coriander intensity, then warm sweet spice developing

Finish

Long lingering and dry — the twelve historically authentic botanicals creating a gin that bridges Irish trade history with contemporary craft, spring-summer brightness fading to a warm close

First Impressions

Blackwater No.5 uses only botanicals imported into Ireland by Whites of Waterford during the 19th century — ten classic and two unique to this gin. Historical authenticity from West Waterford. Country Winner at World Gin Awards 2022.

Tasting

The nose is glorious — juniper, fresh citrus, lavender, mint and liquorice evoking a 19th-century spice warehouse. On the palate, dry and floral with prominent juniper — surprisingly floral with rose and patchouli, silky texture, then coriander intensity and warm spice. The finish is long, lingering and dry.

The Bottom Line

Blackwater No.5 earns an 8 for historical authenticity as a creative constraint — limiting botanicals to 19th-century Irish imports creates a gin with genuine heritage rather than mere nostalgia. The silky texture and surprising patchouli-rose florals set it apart. Country Winner 2022 from West Waterford's most thoughtful distillery.