RESOURCES:
FOOD & WINE
The Perfect Gin + Tonic
Vogue.com - Mahón Gin cocktail recipe exclusive for Vogue.com - Sept 27th, 2015
Go to Mahon website
uniqueness:
- Grape alcohol from Spain’s Penedès region is used as the base distillate. The grapes used are Parellada and Xarel-lo, the same ones used for making Cava.
- This makes Mahón Gin GLUTEN FREE.
- Wild juniper berries are sourced from the foothills of the Pyrenees on the Mediterranean Sea. They are then open sea-air aged at the distillery for 2 to 3 years. This shrivels and hardens them, but more importantly, concentrates the aromatic profile. The contentrated flavors contribute to the silky smoothness of the gin.
- Since the berries are stored at the distillery on the harbors edge, salt particles do have a leisurely time settling upon them, hence the most likely reason for the slight saline notes.
- Distillation takes place in a nearly 300 year old traditional copper still, using wood-fired heat.
- Specific export strength at 41% abv.
- All natural ingredients, free of additives.
- Restauranteur and Chef José Andres selects Mahón Gin to make the perfect Gin and Tonic and is one of his 2 favorite Spanish gins. FOOD + WINE
ACCOLADES:
GOLD MEDAL - Bev Testing Institute 2018
GOLD MEDAL - The Fifty Best Gin Awards 2018
GOLD MEDAL - Beverage World's BevStar Awards 2015
GOLD MEDAL - San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2015
The mid palate is when the gin really opens up with all the flavors. A nice complex transition to the finish which is super smooth and pleasing. I would use this gin in martinis because it has nice layers of flavor. Overall, it is extraordinary gin.
TASTING NOTES:
NOSE: Evokes lemongrass, verbena and dusty cedar, redolent of freshly cut flowers.
PALATE: Starts off with juniper, evolving to subtle spice and lemon zest undertones. Shows lovely silkiness and complexity on the mid-palate with slight saline notes.
FINISH: long lingering and rich, yet balanced with great freshness.
COMMENTS: Enhances traditional Gin & Tonic – Martini, Negroni and other top-shelf cocktails
FUN + FACTS:
- DO for Gin. [ Denominación de Origen (DO) Mahón-Menorca ]. One of two in the world. The island of Menorca has been distilling gin since 1750. Original demand came from British sailors and soldiers stationed in the Spanish islands.
- Lord Nelson, the Hero of Trafalgar, was a frequent resident of Mahón.
- The windmill on the label has belonged to the owners, the Pons family since the 18th century.
- The unique bottle is a glass version of the traditional Spanish ceramic Caneca.
DISTILLERY:
Distillery :: Xoriguer - pronounced "sho-ri-gair" - the old windmill.
Operated by the Pons family, founded by Miguel Pons Justo and descendant of the original gin craftsmen on the island.
LOCATION:
Mahón Gin is distilled in the port town of Mahón on the Spanish Balearic island of Menorca off the coast of Barcelona. Menorca’s stunning and pristine coastline is designated an UNESCO Biosphere reserve.
“The Spanish have become obsessed with an old standard; the gin & tonic. Barcelona clubs and bars are avidly making this standard hot again with premium gins like Mahon from the island of Menorca. Originally produced in 1708 to satisfy the British Navy, stationed on Menorca, the original family recipe is still used.”