Discover the Secret Behind Onze Gin from Mallorca
Gin may not boast the ancient history of wine, but in recent years, it has won the hearts (and glasses) of millions around the world. Its fresh, aromatic, and versatile character makes it the star ingredient in countless classic and modern cocktails. But have you ever wondered how gin is actually made?
At Bodegas Can Vidalet, from our artisan corner nestled in Pollença, Mallorca, we invite you to discover the fascinating journey of gin-making. Dive into the handcrafted process behind Onze Gin—a spirit capturing the very essence of the Mediterranean, crafted with unwavering passion and quality. From carefully selected ingredients to the meticulous methods that transform them into bottled artistry, let us reveal how our gin comes to life.
The Essential Ingredients of Gin
Before we explore the distillation secrets, let’s talk about what makes this spirit so special.
Most gins, including the world’s best, start with a neutral spirit—typically distilled from wheat, barley, or corn. This pure, high-proof alcohol forms the blank canvas upon which flavors are built.
But the heart of gin lies in juniper berries, providing the signature aroma and taste that defines the spirit. The real magic, however, comes from a blend of botanicals: nature’s palette of seeds, roots, spices, fruits, and herbs, such as:
- Lemon or orange peel
- Angelica root
- Coriander
- Cardamom
- Liquorice
- Lavender
- Pink pepper
Each master distiller selects their own unique combination, creating distinct and memorable flavor profiles. At Can Vidalet, our Onze Gin is crafted with eleven carefully chosen botanicals, many sourced from Mallorca’s native flora, imbuing every sip with an unmistakable Mediterranean character.
The Gin-Making Process: From Grain to Glass
Crafting high-quality gin isn’t as simple as mixing alcohol and botanicals. It demands time, patience, and a precise hand. Here’s how it happens:
Fermentation
While gin itself isn’t fermented, its base alcohol certainly is. Most often, grains are fermented to create a low-strength alcoholic mash, somewhat akin to beer. This process converts natural sugars into alcohol, thanks to active yeasts.
At Can Vidalet, we use only extremely high-purity alcohol as our base—meticulously selected to ensure unrivaled quality and neutrality. It’s the perfect foundation for infusing our Mediterranean botanicals.
Distillation: The Art of Extraction
Once the base spirit is ready, the magic begins. Distillation is the beating heart of gin craftsmanship. Using a traditional copper still—which allows for meticulous temperature control—we infuse the spirit with botanicals.
The alcohol is poured into the still along with the botanicals, or the botanicals are placed in special baskets allowing the vapor to extract their essential oils as it rises. The mixture is gently heated; as it evaporates, it carries the purest and most aromatic flavors through to the final spirit.
How Many Times Is Gin Distilled?
Some gins are distilled just once, while others are distilled two or even three times for extra purity and complexity. At Can Vidalet, we embrace the artisanal tradition of double distillation:
- The first run produces a clean, pure distillate
- The second infuses the botanicals and captures their Mediterranean essence
This handcrafted approach, using copper stills, ensures perfect balance—aromatic intensity, smoothness, and elegant purity in every bottle.
Aromatization: The Soul of Onze Gin
This is where gin truly springs to life! During the second distillation, our Onze Gin is carefully aromatized, allowing the selected botanicals—juniper and local herbs—to infuse the spirit with fresh, herbal, and citrus notes reminiscent of Mallorca itself.
Unlike cold maceration, distillation gently extracts the essential oils and preserves delicate flavors. The key is balance: we strive for the juniper to shine, but never overwhelm the subtler Mallorcan botanicals, achieving a harmony unique to Onze Gin.
