It sits in the cupboard temptingly, waiting for the door to be opened and a hand to reach in and lift it out of the darkness. Something delicious: clad in an invitingly tactile, both clear and pale blue bottle, suggesting sky and sea, water and surf, figured with a white minimalist design of olive leaves; its silver lid (perfect for a measure) extending down its slender neck to its strong shoulder before flaring out gently to its sturdy base.
Along with its name ‘Gin Mare’ the label informs that it is a Mediterranean Gin con destilados de Oliva, Tomillo, Romero, Albahaca (olives, thyme, rosemary and basil for many of us): a blend that seduced one gin loather into a weak-at-the knee afficianado.
Gin purists, however, might not approve. For along with the traditional gin ingredients of juniper, orange and lemon peel, cardamom, and coriander are subtle additions of Arbequina olives, thyme from Turkey, rosemary from Greece and basil from Italy reminding us of long, hot days spent beside the Mediterranean Sea. (The Arbequina olive tree is a cultivar providing small, highly aromatic but mild flavoured, much-prized fruit.)
Apart from the citrus products from Spain everything else is macerated individually in a neutral grain alcohol for some 36 hours before, again as separate entities, being distilled. A much longer maceration process of about a year is used for the fresh citrus peel. In the fullness of time they are blended together into a gin with its own highly individual style and characteristic. The flavours and aromas are all there – juniper and herbs, citrus and olives – the very essence of the Mediterranean.
This alchemy all takes place in a small fishing village in Spain at Vilanova i la Geltrú, very close to Sitges and only 30 min from Barcelona in an 18th chapel. The chapel complete with frescoes has been moved stone by stone and rebuilt in its present location.
The word Mare (mar-ray) means Sea: Mare Nostrum – the sea drawing together all the communities influenced by the Mediterranean with their love of gastronomy, good climate and relaxed lifestyle.
Serve chilled or over ice, with a good tonic water. Because of its citrus notes it is better served without lemon or lime; one Foody Traveller loves it with two or three gently bruised basil leaves – and for a Christmas tweak – add a few cranberries.
We are not the only ones who think Gin Mare is special. Launched only in 2010 it has already won a gold medal at Gin Masters organized by Spirit Business Magazine and Gold at BTI International Review of Spirits Chicago 2011; as well as in 2010 Gold at BTI Chicago and Gold at International Wine and Spirit Competition.
Gin Mare is available at good retailers including Harvey Nichols, Waitrose and just-drinks.com at £34.99.