Xoriguer Mahon Gin

Product of: Spain

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Pronounced 'sho-ri-gair' and produced on the island of Menorca, Xoriguer is one of only two gins in the world with its own EU Designation of Origin. Gin has been distilled at Mahón since the 18th century when the island was under British control and the port was an important naval base.

Señor Miguel Pons Justo named Xoriguer after an old windmill used by his family in their former flour milling business. The distillery is still owned by his family and they continue to use traditional wood-fuelled copper stills. Even more unusually, the gin is based on grape alcohol, rather than the conventional grain or molasses spirit. Unlike most gins, Xoriguer comes off the still at bottling strength so does not require dilution.

Xoriguer is sold in green glass bottles with a handle, rather like Dutch stone crock bottles. It is widely available in Spain and the Balearics where it is mixed with real lemonade to make a drink called a Pomada.

Review and Tasting

Sampled on 24/12/2013

Appearance:

Crystal clear.

Aroma:

Very floral, almost perfumed oily orange zest and orange flower with spicy pine juniper.

Taste:

The grape character of the base alcohol comes through on the spicy, herbaceous palate with generous juniper, black pepper spice, camomile, lemon zest and almond.

Aftertaste:

Long, lingering, breath-freshening juniper, black pepper and orange zest. Spicy and characterful.