Xoriguer Gin, 70 cl

Product Information

For some products supply can be inconsistent, whether that is at the brewery itself or how often we or its supplier imports it. Over the past 25 years, Master of Wine, Richard Kelley has become one of the most respected authorities on South African wine in the UK and beyond.

I saw the HB'ers on the telly doing some flavours of the Med or whatever, this episode had them in Menorca - once a stronghold of the Royal Navy from 1703 to 1781 when Spain took control of the island - gin was made on the island during the British occupancy, mainly to supply the large number of sailors with drink whilst ashore - gin being the favoured spirit at the time. Rather than using a grain alcohol, Xoriguer is made from distilled wine and features juniper (obviously) as well as a secret selection of herbs which only the Pons family (the folks behind Xoriguer) could tell you what's included. Xoriguer’s floral and aromatic nose, together with its warm and herbaceous notes needs a sharp citrus kick from a chunky piece of freshly cut lemon peel, some crushed juniper berries to enhance the main ingredient used in the distillation process and a crisp tonic water like Schweppes 1783. Xoriguer Gin comes to us from necessity, when 18th century British soldiers stationed on the Spanish island of Menorca found themselves craving gin, but coming up short with the necessary ingredients.

Our courier was an experienced lady who lived on the island so very knowledgeable and funny with it.

The name of the gin was chosen in honour of the old windmill used for successive generations of the Pons family, which now appears on the labels of their bottles. Finally, stir the drink very gently before adding the lemon twist and the juniper berries freshly crushed. The Liberator Wines We’ve had the great pleasure of knowing Richard for many years now – not just from a shared passion of South African wine, but also out of mutual respect.The gin is distilled in-house using grape alcohol rather than the typical grain alcohol, and the botanicals remain a closely guarded family secret.