The Founder – Ashley Sutton
Ashley Sutton doesn’t do things halfway
Born in Fremantle, Western Australia, he grew up on the remote coast, diving for shipwrecks, fishing in open waters, and chasing a life far from the ordinary.
Today, Sutton is known as a ship captain, interior designer, children’s book author, artist, seaweed farmer – and the founder behind one of Southeast Asia’s boldest gins: Iron Balls.
A modern-day pirate with a love for the unexpected, Sutton lives by one motto: If you do something, do it your way. Whether building fantastical bars in Bangkok or exploring the oceans in a 100-year-old diving suit, he refuses to stay anchored for long.
The Creation
Building a gin was never about business for Sutton – it was an obsession.
It took him over three years, more than 600 recipes, and 2000 trial distillations to create what would become Iron Balls Gin.
He invested everything he had – time, property, money – to chase a spirit that reflected his vision of freedom, craftsmanship, and tropical intensity.
In August 2015, after years of experimentation, Sutton finalized his secret process: a recipe built around fresh tropical botanicals, crafted to capture the spirit of the Southeast.
The result? A super-premium, handcrafted gin that didn’t just respect traditions – it rewrote them.
Unconventional by design, Iron Balls Gin quickly moved category boundaries, earning awards and international recognition as one of the boldest new spirits to come out of Asia.
At the heart of Iron Balls lies a spirit crafted with tropical precision.
Fresh pineapples, coconuts, citrus fruits, coriander seeds, ginger, lemongrass, and a touch of juniper – all carefully chosen to capture the vibrant soul of Southeast Asia.
Every ingredient is handpicked locally and prepared daily at the distillery.
No shortcuts, no compromises – just pure, freshly cut fruit and botanicals, ready to release their full character.
Before distillation begins, the botanicals are steeped for several days, allowing the base spirit to absorb the rich, natural flavors.
Then comes the signature twist: freshly pulped pineapple is added to the still, infusing the spirit through direct contact and vapor at different stages of the distillation.
Each batch is heated slowly and monitored with precision, ensuring that every drop retains the vibrant tropical notes that make Iron Balls so unique.
Finally, every bottle is hand-filled, labeled, and roped – ready to travel from the heart of Bangkok to wherever the next adventure awaits.
Gin Tasting Notes
Iron Balls Gin is anything but ordinary.
It opens with a bold rush of tropical fruit, layered with mouthwatering citrus and the warm spice of coriander, lemongrass, and ginger.
The finish is long, clean, and gently wrapped in a final note of juniper – a subtle reminder of its gin heritage.
For a perfect serve, keep it simple and let the flavors shine:
Pour Iron Balls Gin over ice, add a few slices of fresh pineapple, a handful of basil leaves, and a squeeze of lime.
The result? A refreshing Far East twist on a classic Gin & Tonic – vibrant, aromatic, and dangerously easy to enjoy.
The Bottle
The design of the Iron Balls bottle isn’t just striking – it’s built with purpose. Inspired by a traditional captain’s bottle, it was made to survive the rough conditions at sea.
Its low center of gravity ensures it won’t topple over, even on a rocking ship’s galley table.
Tough, practical, and unforgettable – just like the spirit it holds.
Brand Abassador – Carson Quinn
Carson Quinn knows Iron Balls like no one else.
Originally from Phoenix, Arizona, he has spent years making his mark across Asia, working behind the bars of Ashley Sutton’s most legendary venues.
Today, Carson calls Bangkok home – and he’s been part of the Iron Balls story since day one. When Ash first had the crazy idea to build a distillery in Bangkok, Carson was already there, ready to turn that vision into reality.
Master Mixologist, Global Brand Ambassador, and walking Iron Balls encyclopedia – if anyone knows how to pour the perfect serve, it’s him.
Bars
IRON BALLS BARS…
If you’re in Bangkok, missing an Iron Balls bar would be a serious mistake.
Designed by Ashley Sutton and featuring a drinks menu crafted by Carson Quinn, these bars are anything but ordinary – and definitely not short on spirit.
You’ll find them here:
Iron Balls Distillery & Bar – 18 Soi Sukhumvit 61, Bangkok
Iron Balls Parlour & Saloon – 4 Soi Sukhumvit 45, Bangkok
Two places where the rules are different, the gin flows strong, and adventure is never far behind.
Cocktails
GINGER COLLINS
Iron Balls Gin, Cold Pressed Green Ginger Juice, Fresh Lime & Ginger Soda. Spicy and invigorating
CUCUMBER AND BAELFRUIT SOUR
Iron Balls Gin, Fresh Organic Garden Cucumber, House-Made Bael Syrup, Meringue, Cucumber Blossom. Cooling and refreshing, yet full on the palate
CHARRED SANDALWOOD NEGRONI
Iron Balls Gin, Campari, Antica Formula, Charred Sandalwood Bitters, Orange Zest. A bit of fragrant smoke brings depth to the classic
BLUSHING CALIGULA
Iron Balls Gin, Campari, Fever-Tree Elderflower Tonic, Orange Zest, Griottine. Very few things in life made Caligula blush.
THE SPITCOCK
Iron Balls Gin, Fresh Passion Fruit, Roselle Syrup, Meringue, Cinnamon. A device on a diver’s helmet that allows the diver to clear fogging glass.
The Ginferno App
Can We Serve You Some More Gin?
Explore over 13,500 gins in the GINferno App or on our web version – with real ratings, honest reviews, and endless inspiration for your next perfect serve.
Every gin comes with verified ratings, tasting notes, user reviews, and perfect serve suggestions. Whether you’re searching by flavor, style, region, or popularity – GINferno helps you discover old favorites and new treasures alike.
And the best part: new gins are added regularly, so the adventure never ends.
Available on iOS, Android, and in your browser – ready whenever you are.
Awards
