We spoke to Patrick Hanlon and Russell Alford aka The Gastro Gays for their article on Blas na hEireann 2024 in the RTE Lifestyle Magazine
“This is our first time to even win gold in our category so we are absolutely over the moon with that and then to follow with Best in Kerry blew us away but then to win Best Artisan Producer in Ireland is phenomenal, we really feel honoured and incredibly excited, it’s a dream come true,” Orla says.
Inspired by the island’s unique flora, fauna and natural beauty, Orla and Anna produce Ireland’s first vermouth using foraged herbs, flowers and fruits from the island’s rich landscape to craft a distinctive, artisanal product that reflects the essence of its surroundings.
“We take immense pride in using locally sourced ingredients to create our vermouth,” Anna adds, “so to be recognised alongside so many outstanding producers is a huge achievement for us. What Fallon and Artie do for all of us small producers by putting us on the map is incredible, it’s the hard work they do year-round that culminates in this incredible weekend for producers and the buzz in Dingle is electric”.
Company: Valentia Island Vermouth at the Blas na h-Eireann / Irish Food Awards in Dingle County Kerry on Oct 4th 2024.
Photo: © Don MacMonagle – macmonagle.com
Madeline Lyons writes in The Irish Times The business also came about during the Covid-19 lockdown, when the wife and wife duo were inspired by the island’s unique flora, fauna and natural beauty to create Ireland’s first vermouth. Orla, whose father was a beekeeper from Co Kerry, visited Valentia as a child, and learned about the local plants and making of vermouth through her father’s knowledge. Valentia Island Vermouth is made using foraged herbs, flowers and fruits from island.
Photo: © Don MacMonagle – macmonagle.com
Blas na hÉireann chairman Artie Clifford said, “After 17 years of these awards, it’s inspiring to witness the continued innovation and quality in Ireland’s food and drink industry. Every year the standard is raised even higher and it’s an honour to showcase these exceptional products and the dedicated producers behind them to a national audience.”
The competition is in its 17th year and more than 3,000 entries were judged for the Blas na hÉireann awards during June and July. Products from every county in Ireland were entered to win bronze, silver or gold awards in more than 170 food and drink categories.
