Mahón gin is defined by its unique base spirit made with quality wine from Penedes, using Xarel-lo and Parellada grapes. Our repice includes juniper berries, with a few other ingredients. A key difference point the juniper berries are first aged about 2 years, concentrationg their aromas.
Mahón Gin from Xoriguer is the mediterranean Original. It is so integral to the history of the western world that excavations of old undersea shipwrecks have yielded bottles of Gin from Mahón. Mahón gin is defined by its unique base spirit made with quality wine from Penedes, using Xarel-lo and Parellada grapes. Our repice includes juniper berries, with a few other ingredients. A key difference point the juniper berries are first aged about 2 years, concentrationg their aromas.
On the Spanish island of Menorca, they make gin. Have been, since 1708. Also known under the brand name of Xoriguer (say it five times fast), Mahon Gin ( Gin de Mahon ) to have a specific geographic designation. Gin got its start on this Mediterranean island back when it was a British colony. Given it was a popular waystation for sailors, all the more reason to crank out the juice. Under Spain’s ownership (which became formal in the late 1700s), gin continued to be produced here, and now it’s going global after just 300 years.
Mahon is distilled from grapes in small copper pot stills and is flavored with juniper and other, undisclosed herbs. It is also rested in American oak barrels (neutral, I presume) before bottling.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Lots of juniper on the nose, with some camphorous and herbaceous notes suggesting pine resin and rich, oily juniper berries.
Palate: Thick and luscious, with copious amounts of pine and juniper again. Spruce, an some faint intimations of lemon zest behind the scenes, with sage, juniper needle and pine.
Finish: Long with juniper. It’s dry with conifer in the rain sort of notes, with a pleasant ensuring warmth.
