Highbank Orchards

07/06/2026

“Complex, mysterious and quite unlike anything I’ve tasted before” - Tom Molloy

Grannie's Organic Fortified Irish Apple Wine is a rich, dark apple wine that was passed down from Rod's grandmother, Elsie Iago. This aromatic, naturally sweet fortified wine offers wonderful notes of baked apple, caramel and warm spice from a cherished family recipe.

Best served slightly chilled alongside blue cheese, aged cheddar and a charcuterie selection. An ideal drink to bring along to any and all gatherings this Summer!

Grown and Bottled in Kilkenny. ABV 20%. Batch 2016

Get your bottle at https://highbankorchards.com/shop/irish-apple-wine

03/06/2026

𝐃𝐢𝐝 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐰? 𝐁𝐞𝐞 𝐄𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

Bumblebees and honeybees both live in colonies. They each have a body of female worker bees, a single egg-producing queen HOWEVER bumblebee colonies are annual and die out at the end of summer, while honeybee colonies can live for decades.

For this reason, bumblebee colonies never have time to grow very large tend to be small in comparison to honeybees. The most populous bumblebee colonies max out at around 250 individuals, which is nothing for a honey bee colony. The average honey bee colony boasts 50,000 bees.

Our precious honeybees live on our organic farm and produce our award-winning Highbank honey, which is a beautiful addition to both sweet and savoury foods including drizzled over cheese, mixed into marinades or as a natural sweetener to teas and coffees.

How do you like to enjoy honey? Let us know in the comments!

You can get our Organic Orchard Honey at https://highbankorchards.com/shop/highbank-orchards-organic-honey

Tastekilkenny

28/05/2026

Al Pastor originated in Mexico in the 1930s among Lebanese immigrants. The popularity of the dish continues to grow thanks to its delicious combination of flavours

This utterly delectable recipe is a great addition to the table at the many BBQs that will surely be taking place this coming summer!

The prep time is just 15 minutes with 5 hours in the slow cooker, allowing you to prepare the meal ahead of time

Find the full recipe at https://highbankorchards.com/about/recipes/slow-cooker-al-pastor

24/05/2026

The good ship Zephyr, built by Edward Potts, returning from Jamaica in 1822 with Eliza Calder was taken by pirates. Thus began the story of The Dark Doyle Apple Rum...

Taking inspiration from this family story, we bring you the Dark Caribbean Mule cocktail. The below recipe makes 2 drinks

𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝:
-1/2 inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
-2 medium limes, juiced
-2-4 tablespoons of simple syrup
-120ml Dark Doyle Apple Rum
-120ml ginger beer
-Crushed ice

𝐌𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐝:
-Muddle the sliced ginger in a cocktail shaker and add 2-4 tablespoons simple syrup, lime juice, and the Dark Doyle Apple Rum.
-Shake well, then strain into two copper mugs filled with crushed ice.
-Top each with ginger beer and garnish with lime wedge.

Find more cocktail recipes or shop our organic orchard spirits at HighbankOrchards.com

22/05/2026

19/05/2026

Opening our Orchards to you

The Highbank Taste & Tour Experience is a wonderful way to learn all about us here at our organic haven in Cuffesgrange, County Kilkenny.

Sample our delicious range of Single Estate Organic ciders, syrups, vinegars and apple spirits

Hop on the Charabanc train and take a guided tour through the organic orchard and natural lake. Learn about our local heritage, the link between soil health and gut health and the importance of sustainability at Highbank

Don't just take it from us, listen to John and Sally McKenna from McKenna's Guides:
"Their dynamism is ferocious; their creativity unbridled, and they are among the defining producers of the age".

Book your tour today at: https://highbankorchards.com/tours

17/05/2026

101 GREAT IRISH RESTAURANTS 🍴
https://www.businesspost.ie/life-luxury/101-great-irish-restaurants-this-years-picks-in-munster/
Delighted to contribute to the 2026 edition of 101 Great Irish Restaurants - out in tomorrow’s 🔥

Thanks to for asking me back on board again this year to pitch forward my recs for best Munster restaurants alongside restaurant reviewer extraordinaire , with .olaoire and to bring you the best restaurants to sit, dine and enjoy all around the country!

Be sure to pick up your copy on Sunday and enjoy planning your next dining destination!

15/05/2026

The sunshine is back and so is salad season!

Our Organic Balsamic Vinegar elevates any meal, bringing a beautiful acidity and slight sweetness to a variety of dishes

-Drizzle it over fresh tomatoes, basil and mozzarella along with olive oil
-Add it pizzas that have prosciutto and rocket leaves to really accentuate all the flavours
-Roast fresh figs with Balsamic vinegar and honey - the mixture of flavours is wonderful

or mix some organic balsamic vinegar with a good quality olive oil, dip sourdough into it and enjoy life!

Our Organic Balsamic Vinegar with the Wild Mother is available at: https://highbankorchards.com/shop

15/05/2026

What about a whiskey & wander 🥃

Ireland's distilling story started with monks in the 1100s, and today, some of the country's finest distilleries are right here in Ireland's Ancient East.

Featuring historic estates and family-run orchards, each one offers a behind-the-scenes look at how Ireland's most iconic spirit is made, plus the chance to taste it for yourself.

- Slane Whiskey, Meath
- Ballykeefe Distillery, Kilkenny
- Highbank Orchards, Kilkenny
- Midleton Distillery Experience, Cork
- Powerscourt Distillery, Wicklow

SAVE this for your next short break ⬇️