Award-Winning Basalt Distillery Launches in Harvey Nichols

Tuesday 29 July 2025

Basalt Distillery, the rising Irish spirits house inspired by the raw geology of the UNESCO-listed Giant’s Causeway, has achieved a landmark moment in its journey. The brand’s flagship Basalt Volcanic Rock Gin (42.1%) has been awarded the coveted 3 Stars in the prestigious Great Taste Awards 2025, earning a Golden Fork nomination, while the bolder Basalt Volcanic Rock Gin (50.1%) and Basalt Volcanic Rock Vodka each received 2 Stars.

This achievement coincides with another milestone: Basalt’s nationwide launch in Harvey Nichols stores, where its collection — including the Basalt Serve Set, a curated gifting experience featuring Basalt Volcanic Rock Gin — is now available.

Exceptional Spirits, Forged by Nature
Founded by 28-year-old chemical engineers Martha Garbe and James Richardson, Basalt Distillery was born from a vision to create ultra-premium spirits with a true sense of place. Every drop is distilled with ultra-pure water drawn from a 600ft-deep borehole, naturally filtered through the ancient basalt rock that forms the Giant’s Causeway. This geological provenance, combined with scientific precision and smallbatch craftsmanship, defines the character and depth of Basalt’s spirits. The recognition from the Guild of Fine Food’s Great Taste Awards — widely regarded as the benchmark for excellence in food and drink — marks Basalt as one of the standout spirits producers to watch. Judges described the flagship 3-Star Basalt Volcanic Rock Gin (42.1%) as:

"A gin with a truly bracing, bright and complex aroma… thrillingly briny and alive, evoking the air on the shore with a storm rolling in. Layers of salinity, pepper spice, and citrus evolve in waves, with a soft creaminess and umami depth that lingers. Fascinating, distinctive, and irresistible — pure alchemy.”

The 2-Star Basalt Volcanic Rock Gin (50.1%) was praised as: “serious and sophisticated… powerfully aromatic yet balanced, with kombu, citrus, and spice delivering a bracing, complex experience, softening beautifully with ice or tonic.”

Meanwhile, the 2-Star Basalt Volcanic Rock Vodka was recognised for its clarity, purity, and elegance, with judges noting: “remarkable smoothness and precision, a rich mouthfeel, and hints of macadamia and cereal — a testament to meticulous craft.”

Rapid Momentum in 2025 for Basalt Distillery
Since its launch in 2022, Basalt Distillery has rapidly established itself as one of the most exciting new names in the ultra-premium spirits market. Its achievements in 2025 now include:

* 3 Stars & Golden Fork nomination – Great Taste Awards 2025
* 2-Star Great Taste Award for Basalt Volcanic Rock Gin (50.1%) and Basalt Voclanic Rock Vodka.
* Gold – The Spirits Business Gin Masters 2025 (Ultra-Premium category)
* Young Business Woman of the Year – Northern Ireland 2025 (Martha Garbe)
* Young Business Leader of the Year – Workplace & Employment Awards 2025 (Martha Garbe & James Richardson)
* Now stocked nationwide at Harvey Nichols (UK), alongside other high-end retailers and travel retail partners including Marks & Spencer Ireland and Belfast International Airport.

A Word from the Founders
“This year has been a turning point for us,” says co-founder Martha Garbe. “To receive 3 Stars and a Golden Fork nomination from the Great Taste Awards while seeing Basalt on the shelves of Harvey Nichols feels surreal and deeply rewarding. These milestones reflect what we care about most — authenticity, innovation, and a relentless focus on quality. We’re proud to see our spirits standing alongside some of the most respected names in the world.”

Where to Experience Basalt Basalt
Volcanic Rock Gin, Vodka, and the Basalt Serve Set are now available in all Harvey Nichols stores nationwide, as well as select premium retailers, travel retail locations, and at basaltdistillery.com.

For press enquiries, interviews, imagery, or samples, please contact:
Martha Garbe Co-Founder
Email: martha@basalt-distillery.com
Phone: 07446878498

@basaltdistillery | #BasaltAtHarveyNichols

Tuesday 29 July 2025