Rebel City Distillery Launches Maharani Pomelo Vodka and Opens Spirit School

Rebel City Distillery Launches Maharani Pomelo Vodka 

and Opens Spirit School 

Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Dan Boyle (centre) with Rebel City Distillery founders Robert Barrett (left) and Bhagya Barrett

Rebel City Distillery was honoured to welcome the Lord Mayor of Cork, Councillor Dan Boyle, for the official launch of Maharani Pomelo Vodka and the grand opening of Rebel City Distillery’s Spirit School on April 28^th at 2025 . This milestone marks an exciting new chapter for the family-run distillery, celebrating innovation, heritage, and community.

The launch event, held at Rebel City Distillery’s home in Cork City, was a heartfelt celebration joined by friends, family, and local supporters. Guests experienced first-hand the bold flavours and artisanal spirit that define the distillery’s newest release.

Maharani Pomelo Vodka
Crafted with the same passion and creativity that brought global recognition to Maharani Gin, this new spirit is a tribute to both Ireland’s wild spirit and the vibrant culture of Kerala, India . 

Distilled by Master Distiller Robert Barrett using sun-dried pomelo peels from the Western Ghats — the region where co-founder Bhagya Barrett was raised — Maharani Pomelo Vodka is handcrafted in small batches and bottled at 39.6% ABV. Bright, zesty, and full of life, Maharani Pomelo Vodka is designed for sipping, mixing, and celebrating. It is now available for purchase at www.rebelcitydistillery.com, with a major retail launch planned soon.

Spirit School Now Open
Alongside the vodka launch, Rebel City Distillery proudly unveiled its new Spirit School, offering an immersive experience into the art of craft distilling. Housed within Cork City’s first distillery in over 50 years and nestled in a beautifully restored former Ford factory, the Spirit School is part of the distillery’s award-winning visitor centre. Guests can now book interactive sessions to learn, explore, and even create their own spirits — a truly unique experience for spirit lovers and curious minds alike.

“We are deeply grateful to everyone who joined us to celebrate this moment. Your love and support have made this possible, and we’re so excited to share our newest creation with the world.”  said co-founders  Bhagya Barrett and Robert Barrett.

press release

10th Anniversary ‘Skiddy Sour’ Beer from Elbow Lane Brewhouse & Rebel Distillery

press release

 10^th Anniversary ‘Skiddy Sour’ Beer from Elbow Lane Brewhouse & Rebel Distillery

Russel Garret, Master Brewer at Elbow Lane

Two of Cork city’s smallest and most innovative drinks producers have joined forces to create a limited-edition beer to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the iconic Elbow Lane Smokehouse and Brewery. Called 'Skiddy's Sour,' it is the result of a collaboration between the brewery and Rebel Distillery. Elbow Lane's award-winning beer has been aged in the distillery’s oak barrels for three months. These barrels have previously been used to mature the distillery’s popular Maharani gin.

The result is a slightly puckish brew with soft and sour notes, and it packs a fair punch at 6% abv.

These barrels will now be used to create a new gin expression at Rebel Distillery.

Beer lovers can check out 'Skiddy Sour' at Market Lane restaurants, including Elbow Lane and Market Lane, while it lasts.

The beer will also form part of the Elbow Lane Tutored Tastings, which run every Saturday at the brewery in Oliver Plunkett Street from 12 noon. Tickets are €55 and include a selection of pinchos and a limited-edition Elbow Lane illustrated t-shirt. 

CORK THEMED AFTERNOON TEA WITH MAHARANI GIN LAUNCHED AT THE METROPOLE

press release 

CORK THEMED AFTERNOON TEA LAUNCHED AT THE METROPOLE 

Part of Cork on a Fork Fest

The Metropole Hotel has launched an exclusive Afternoon Tea menu in collaboration with

The MET X Maharani Afternoon Tea. A Delicious Fusion Of Cork and Kerala

The MET X Maharani Afternoon Tea

A Delicious Fusion Of Cork and Kerala

Spices from Kerala.

The successful local Rebel City distillery, whose lead product is Maharani gin (with Indian botanicals), and Cork’s Metropole Hotel joined forces to celebrate last week’s Cork on a Fork Fest with an Afternoon Tea.

But one with a difference. The Met's new head chef Vasil Baci took inspiration from the gin and its ingredients to create a taste of India over 3 plates! And that was extended by an Amuse Bouche and we were also treated to a Maharani Gin (with some black pepper cracked in on top, a favourite hack of Pierce Lowney, the hotel’s Food & Beverage Manager).

Distillery co-founders Robert Barrett and his wife Bhagya set up Rebel City in Cork in early 2020. The Maharani is copper pot distilled and, along with the usual suspects, including the essential juniper, distiller Robert has added three botanicals from Kerala. 

One is Pomelo Fruit, officially Citrus Grandis. Then you have Cassia (Cinnamomum Cassia) and also Nutmeg Mace (Myristica Fragrans). All three are sourced from the women’s farming cooperative in Kerala, Bhagya’s home state. Robert is very happy with the Maharani (means high queen): “a fusion of two creative cultures, a gin of truly transcendent taste”.

Scone with Rice Pudding!

And so here we are in the beautiful tea rooms of the Met, relaxing in a Sunday afternoon as two southern cities come together on a series of plates. That relaxation is part of the afternoon tea ritual and so too is the tea (and that wasn’t forgotten here).

The usual formula, savoury, scones and sweet was followed but there was certainly a difference, thanks to the Indian inputs, and here Chef Baci, using the freshest of local produce, was absolutely spot on with the combinations. That skilfully applied enhancing spicy touch of the east was a factor for sure but a subtle one. Very well balanced, as is said in the world of wine tasting.

The Amuse Bouche was a good indicator of what was to come, local and exotic coming together to put us on the way to perhaps the best Afternoon Tea we’ve enjoyed in years. Loved the Star Anise and cinnamon sweet shell tart, Ardsallagh Goats Cheese, roasted red peppers, basil beetroot gel and crushed chili; here the spices and the soft flavours of the cheese and beetroot waltzed gently and satisfactorily on the palate.

Sweet!

Now for the first plate, the Finger Sandwich Selection:

  

Smoked bacon and egg mayo, garden chive mini sweet slider.

Mini spiced chicken tarragon cracked poppadum wrap.

Market Smoked salmon, saffron lemon mayo, Indian style pickled red onion, brown home-made treacle soda bread, Maharani gin spritz.

Aloo Masala bite, Vienna sourdough bread, Mango chutney.

Started that quartet with the lovely slider and then found the following ones as good as the other.

Next up was the Dressed Scone, a homemade buttermilk chai spiced fruit mini scone, whipped vanilla double cream, raspberry jam. Another winner from the kitchen.

Pic by Rebel City.

Now for that final sweet lap, the Sweet Treats.

Vanilla & Passion fruit set lassi, fresh raspberry and mint.

Homemade mini banana bread, pistachio strawberry cream.

Mini coconut and honey pancake roll.

Spiced Rice Pudding.

Mini 73% Chocolate delice.

And there was also an unlisted Macaroon on the plate!

Some really excellent treats here, starting with the lassi, and the banana bread was also a beauty (especially with that cream!). The chocolate lived up to its name. But that Spiced Rice Pudding was my favourite, enhanced no end by the hidden treasure of generous fruit. Terrific end to a lovely relaxing afternoon in one of the most comfortable rooms in the city.

Cheers to Cork and to Kerala and here’s hoping we’ll all meet again with a plate somewhere! 

This was my final outing of the Cork on a Fork Festival, a very enjoyable few days indeed. Here's to 2023!

The Met. A place to relax. (pic by the Met)

Taste of the Week. Rebel City “Maharani” Irish Gin

Taste of the Week

Rebel City “Maharani” Irish Gin 

The local Maharani Gin is on my short list of favourites and is the current Taste of the Week. 

The juniper may be a little less forward than normal yet this gin is not at all short of character. On the contrary, it stands out in the crowd with its creamy mouthfeel and engaging harmony of the various botanicals. The nose, with the moderate citrus contribution of the pomelo leading, promises much and much is delivered, right through to a lengthy finish and its small hit of nutmeg mace spice. Quite a journey from first sip to last, quite a way from Kerala to Cork.

Kerala? You may well ask. Well some of the botanicals come all the way from Kerala in the south of India.

Distillery co-founders Robert Barrett and his wife Bhagya have brought it all together in a rather historic site in Cork. In a tiny gleaming distillery, Robert combines the botanicals and the spirit into a superb drink. He adds three botanicals from Kerala: they are Pomelo Fruit, officially Citrus Grandis;  Cassia (Cinnamomum Cassia) and also Nutmeg Mace (Myristica Fragrans). All three are sourced from the women’s farming cooperative in Kerala, Bhagya’s home state.

Their Rebel City Distillery is situated in part of the famous factory that thrived as it manufactured cars for Henry Ford (1917-1984). 

Rebel City Distillery 

Unit P6

Marina Commercial Park

Cork

• info@rebelcitydistillery.com
• +353 21 496 6300

Introducing Maharani, the High Queen of Gin from the Rebel City!

 Introducing Maharani, the High Queen from the Rebel City!

Rebel City “Maharani” Irish Gin 41% abv.

In my hand, I’ve got the whole world. 

Claiming a bit much there, both for my hand and the glass of gin it is holding. Yet, this 40 ml of gin (there is also tonic and ice) represents hands across the continents. A liberation of spirit and spice, its makers claim. The spirit is Irish made in the southern city of Cork while the lead botanicals come all the way from Kerala in the south of India.

Distillery co-founders Robert Barrett and his wife Bhagya have brought it all together in a rather historic site in Cork. Their Rebel City Distillery is situated in part of the factory that thrived as it manufactured cars for Henry Ford (1917-1984). Enter through one of three original doors and under the high ceiling a tiny gleaming distillery combines the botanicals and the spirit into a superb drink.

Faraway flavours (l to r): Nutmeg Mace, Cassia, Pomelo

The Maharani is copper pot distilled and, along with the usual suspects, including the essential juniper, distiller Robert has added three botanicals from Kerala. One is Pomelo Fruit, officially Citrus Grandis. Then you have Cassia (Cinnamomum Cassia) and also Nutmeg Mace (Myristica Fragrans). All three are sourced from the women’s farming cooperative in Kerala, Bhagya’s home state. Robert is very happy with the Maharina (means high queen): “a fusion of two creative cultures, a gin of truly transcendent taste”.

I’m very happy with it too, after a few considered sips. The juniper may be a little more less forward than normal yet this gin is not at all short of character. On the contrary, it stands out in the crowd with its creamy mouthfeel and engaging harmony of the various botanicals. The nose, with the moderate citrus contribution of the pomelo leading, promises much and much is delivered, right through to a lengthy finish and its small hit of nutmeg mace spice. Quite a journey from first sip to last, quite a way from Kerala to Cork.

It wouldn’t be a queen gin without a Signature serve:

THE HIGH QUEEN

— Signature Gin Serve

INGREDIENTS

• - 40ml Maharani Gin
• - Chilled premium tonic water
• - A wedge of grapefruit
• - Mint leaves
• - Cubed ice

METHOD

Pour the gin and tonic water over ice and mix thoroughly. Add the grapefruit and mint garnish, sit back, sip and enjoy.

More serves here.

Earlier this year, Robert drew on his wealth of industry experience (he has worked for leading whiskey companies both here, with Cooley, and abroad, including Vancouver) to set up his own boutique distillery alongside his wife, Bhaghya and father, Brendan.  Since then they’ve been joined by Gemma who looks after marketing for Rebel City.

Robert’s wife Bhagya is a software engineer by trade. Her expansive career has seen her work in the large cities of Chennai and Madrid before her move west to Ireland. This diverse experience of cultures has provided Bhagya with a worldly, eclectic perspective, her own cultural identity inspiring the unique faraway flavours and personality of Maharani Gin. 

Robert’s father Brendan, with an extensive career in engineering and construction, mentored Robert in the development of the business and in the refurbishment and redevelopment of the distillery building. And between them they retained much of the original walls and doors and indeed brought in some very interesting artefacts that you will see on the tours (which will run as soon as it’s safe to do so).

The still itself is eye-catching with its beautiful copper gleaming in the soft autumnal light. Again Robert’s experience in the industry came in handy here and he had no hesitation in ordering from the Germany company Muller as he well knew of their high standards, both in manufacture and in ongoing support.

And, looking to the near future, Robert told me that he’ll be expanding the Rebel City range. Indeed, I left with a little taster of his Absinthe - now apparently I must get a sugar lump to best appreciate this 53% sample! And he also has plans for rum, both white and dark, which will have its own brand name. Already, the gin of the Rebel City Distillery has captured attention outside of Ireland and soon they’ll be exporting to Singapore.

Stockists include Bradley’s of Cork and Irish Malts online and you may sample the gin at leading bars such as Cask.  Click here for a full list.

Rebel City Distillery 

Unit P6

Marina Commercial Park

Cork

• info@rebelcitydistillery.com
• +353 21 496 6300

A Cork gin, GF beer, Tandem Wines at O'Briens. And more on wine, beer and spirits in Cheers #20

A Cork gin, GF beer, Tandem Wines at O'Briens.

And more on wine, beer and spirits in Cheers #20

Bhagya and Robert

Rebel City Distillery is a boutique distillery situated in the heart of Cork’s Docklands. Founded in 2020, Rebel City Distillery is the first distillery in Cork city for almost 50 years. Over the last year we have painstakingly renovated the old Ford Building and transformed it into a fully functional distillery where we create, distil and bottle a unique range of spirits on-site. The distillery will produce premium spirits, which draw inspiration from around the world. Read more here.

UNIQUELY CRAFTED BEERS FROM 9 WHITE DEER

We have a range of uniquely crafted beers; our renowned pale ale, a beautiful Irish red ale, an award winning black IPA, the best stout you've ever tasted, our balanced IPA and seasonals such as our Pilsner Ól-e. Everything we do is 100% gluten free.    

Check all the latest here

MEET THE WINEMAKERS WHO SUPPLY O'BRIENS WINE 

TANDEM IN NAVARRA, SPAIN

Bodega Tandem was founded in 2003 by Alicia Eyaralar (right), José María Fraile and a small group of wine-loving friends. The winery is situated in the Yerri Valley in the northern Spanish region of Navarra.

Winemaker Elicia Eyaralar uses traditional, minimum intervention winemaking techniques in the modern boutique winery. The tanks are gravity fed and the wines undergo minimum filtration to give the best expression of the grapes. Stainless steel tanks and French oak barrels are used for winemaking and maturation.

Discover more about their wines at O'Briens here.

We'd like to remind visitors to Micil Distillery that you can rest assured you are in safe hands when you visit our distillery.

Our team are members of the Fáilte Ireland COVID-19 Safety Charter and have completed training to operate all of our tours and tastings in line with current public health advice.

Since reopening, we've reduced the capacity on our tours to ensure the safety of our guests.

This, of course, means spaces are limited so booking is advisable.

To find out more about the Micil Distillery Experience, and how you can book your spot, visit www.micildistillery.com. #MakeABreakForIt #MicilDistillery #TheSpiritOfGalway

Game of Thrones or Game of Rhônes?
Laurent Plantevin from Domaine Plantevin gets hands on with this years' harvest.

Lords and ladies, brothers and warriors — Wine is coming!

Game of Rhônes is the celebration of the great grape varieties of the Rhône Valley. The Rhône Valley has a reputation that precedes itself. It has been a hub of wine culture since Roman times and has earned an international standing for rigorous production that yields outstanding wines. Wines Direct are in the Rhone game and have 6 and 12 bottle cases here.