Brought to you by Conbec Dry Irish Gin.

What’s the most fail-safe, practical and will-most-definitely-be-put-to-good-use gift one could possibly give this Christmas?

Well, there’s a brand new botanical tipple by the name of Conbec Dry Irish Gin and we’re very excited! It’s popping up in all our favourite bars and clubs throughout the country and it's exclusively available in Carry Out Off Licence and Costcutter. It’s smooth, warming, powerful and you can expect the most delicious tastes and aromas. Think warming spices, hedgerow berries and citrus notes. You especially need to give Conbec’s Signature Serve (see below) a go for a fierceness we thought couldn’t exist in a gin. You see, the makers had a very clear idea of what they wanted to create: excellence, taking inspiration from ancient Ireland’s most legendary characters. During the third and fourth centuries, the Irish poet Ossian, celebrated a warrior huntsman by the name of Finn. Finn, Chief of the Fiana, was the commander of the High King Cormac, and was leader of the armies and master of the hounds. His favourite hound was named Conbec. (See where we’re going here?) Conbec could kill any stag in Ireland and return it to Finn and his army. Conbec was a loyal wolfhound who was pretty ferocious but had a soft, compassionate side too. Kings even loved him, putting the word ‘cú’ (the ancient word for hound) in front of their own name.

The loyal Conbec himself 

It’s this fierce, powerful, loyal and gentle hound that gave inspiration to the fully Irish-owned Conbec Dry Irish Gin and its tagline ‘Gentle When Stroked, Fierce When Provoked’. (That's it — they've won us over.) So, there you have it ladies and gents... a true Irish Gin with a true Irish story. Treat yourself or someone you know this Christmas. It's time to kick back, relax with a tipple, and be sure to share it when all the festivities begin! Call into your local Carry Out or Costcutter before the big day to pick up a bottle for that special someone.

Conbec's Signature Serve is a new twist on a classic G&T. Give it a whirl:

• Grab a bottle of Conbec Dry Irish Gin and a gin glass
• Pour 35ml gin into the glass over ice
• Add three ripe blueberries
• Add three wedges of pink grapefruit
• Top off with tonic water
• Garnish with a sprig of rosemary
• Boast about your cocktail-making skills

Brought to you by Conbec Dry Irish Gin - Gentle When Stroked, Fierce When Provoked.