Gin Mare Mediterranean Gin – A Taste of Coastal Paradise

Updated → September 2025

Experience the sun-drenched Mediterranean coast in every sip of Gin Mare, a revolutionary Spanish gin infused with Arbequina olives, fresh herbs, and citrus botanicals that transport you to seaside villages and herb gardens.

The Mediterranean Gin Revolution

In the world of craft spirits, few innovations have captured the imagination quite like Gin Mare Mediterranean Gin. This groundbreaking spirit emerged in 2007, challenging centuries of gin-making tradition by introducing a completely new flavor paradigm. While London Dry gins focus on juniper-forward profiles and American craft gins experiment with local botanicals, Gin Mare Mediterranean Gin pioneered the concept of pan-Mediterranean botanicals, creating a category entirely its own.

The vision behind this revolutionary gin came from Marc and Manuel Giro, grandsons of the creator of GinMG, a successful Spanish gin brand from the 1940s. These brothers understood that Spain, already the world's highest per capita consumer of gin, was ready for something that reflected the Mediterranean lifestyle and culinary culture. Their creation would eventually become a global phenomenon, distributed by Brown-Forman and found in premium bars from Barcelona to Bangkok.

Distillery Heritage & Chapel Production

The story of Gin Mare Mediterranean Gin begins in Vilanova i la Geltrú, a small fishing village on the Costa Dorada between Barcelona and Tarragona. This location wasn't chosen by accident – it represents the heart of Mediterranean Spain, where centuries of fishing tradition meet modern innovation. The Giro Ribot family has been distilling spirits in this region since 1835, bringing over 180 years of expertise to every bottle.

What makes the production facility truly unique is its setting: an 18th-century chapel that has been converted into a distillery. This sacred space, with its stone walls and arched ceilings, provides not just a romantic backdrop but also ideal conditions for distillation. The thick stone walls maintain consistent temperatures year-round, while the spiritual heritage of the space seems to infuse each batch with something intangible yet profound. The custom-made Florentine flask still, a replica of traditional Mediterranean distilling equipment, sits where the altar once stood, transforming botanicals into liquid art.

A Botanical Symphony

The botanical bill of Gin Mare Mediterranean Gin reads like a Mediterranean garden inventory. While maintaining the essential juniper backbone required for any gin, the distillers have crafted a recipe that captures the essence of coastal Mediterranean cuisine. The nine botanicals include traditional gin elements – juniper berries, coriander seeds, and cardamom – alongside revolutionary Mediterranean additions.

The citrus component deserves special attention. Unlike most gins that use dried citrus peels, Gin Mare Mediterranean Gin employs a unique process for its citrus botanicals. The peels of bitter Seville oranges, sweet Valencia oranges, and locally grown lemons are macerated in neutral spirit for an entire year before distillation. This extended maceration extracts oils and compounds that would otherwise remain locked within the peel, creating a citrus profile of extraordinary depth and complexity.

The Arbequina Olive Magic

Perhaps no single botanical defines Gin Mare Mediterranean Gin more than the Arbequina olive. This small, delicate olive variety holds a Protected Denomination of Origin status, making it the only olive in the world with such distinction. Native to Catalonia, Arbequina olives are prized for their buttery texture and subtle, fruity flavor profile that lacks the aggressive bitterness of many olive varieties.

The challenge of incorporating olives into gin production cannot be overstated. Due to the low yield when juicing Arbequina olives, the distillery must use an astounding 15 kilograms of olives for each distillation batch. This extravagant use of premium olives contributes to both the gin's unique flavor profile and its premium positioning. The olive essence provides a savory, umami quality that bridges the gap between spirit and cuisine, making Gin Mare Mediterranean Gin particularly suited for pairing with food.

Production Artistry

The production method for Gin Mare Mediterranean Gin represents a departure from conventional gin-making practices. Rather than macerating all botanicals together, each ingredient undergoes individual maceration and distillation. This labor-intensive process allows the master distiller to optimize extraction conditions for each botanical, ensuring maximum flavor expression.

The herbs – basil from Italy, thyme from Greece, and rosemary from Turkey – are macerated for approximately 36 hours before individual distillation. This pan-Mediterranean sourcing isn't just marketing; each region produces herbs with distinct aromatic profiles shaped by local terroir. The 250-liter Florentine still, with its unique shape and copper construction, provides gentle, even heating that preserves the delicate essential oils. After individual distillation, the botanical distillates are blended with the premium barley-based neutral spirit and pure spring water, creating the final expression at 42.7% ABV.

Tasting Profile & Sensory Journey

Pouring Gin Mare Mediterranean Gin neat into a glass releases an immediate bouquet of Mediterranean aromatics. The nose opens with prominent rosemary, almost as if you've brushed against the herb in a coastal garden. This herbal intensity is balanced by bright citrus notes and a subtle juniper presence that reminds you this is indeed a gin, not an herb-infused vodka.

On the palate, the texture is remarkably smooth and almost oily, coating the mouth with layers of flavor. The initial taste brings juniper and coriander forward, establishing the gin foundation before the Mediterranean elements emerge. Mid-palate, the herbs assert themselves – basil provides a sweet, almost anise-like quality, while thyme adds earthy depth. The Arbequina olive influence manifests as a savory, briny note that ties all elements together. The finish is exceptionally long, with rosemary and olive lingering alongside a gentle warmth from the cardamom and black pepper.

The Perfect Serve

Creating the perfect Gin Mare Mediterranean Gin and tonic requires thoughtful consideration of both mixer and garnish. While the gin performs admirably with standard Indian tonic water, it truly shines when paired with Mediterranean tonic water, which features lower quinine levels and herbal notes that complement rather than mask the gin's complexity.

The classic Spanish serve involves a large balloon glass filled with ice, 50ml of Gin Mare Mediterranean Gin, and 150ml of premium Mediterranean tonic. The garnish is crucial – a sprig of fresh rosemary and either an Arbequina olive or a twist of orange peel. Some bartenders add a crack of black pepper or a basil leaf for additional aromatic complexity. The key is to treat the garnish as an integral part of the drink, not mere decoration.

Mediterranean Cocktail Creations

Beyond the classic G&T, Gin Mare Mediterranean Gin opens up exciting possibilities for cocktail innovation. The Mediterranean Martini showcases the gin's savory qualities – stirred with a splash of quality vermouth and garnished with Arbequina olives, it drinks like liquid tapas. The herbal complexity also makes it ideal for a White Negroni, where its botanicals play beautifully against Suze and Lillet Blanc.

For summer entertaining, consider the Mare Spritz: Gin Mare Mediterranean Gin topped with Prosecco and a splash of elderflower liqueur, garnished with fresh herbs and citrus. The Red Snapper, essentially a Bloody Mary made with gin instead of vodka, finds new dimensions when made with this Mediterranean expression – the herbs complement tomato beautifully while the olive notes echo the drink's savory character.

Culinary Pairings

The gastronomic potential of Gin Mare Mediterranean Gin extends far beyond cocktail hour. Its herbal and savory notes make it an exceptional companion to Mediterranean cuisine. Serve it alongside a selection of Spanish tapas – the gin's olive notes echo perfectly with marinated olives, while the herbs complement patatas bravas and grilled vegetables.

Seafood pairings prove particularly successful. The gin's citrus elements brighten grilled fish, while the herbal components stand up to robust preparations like paella or seafood stews. Even simple preparations benefit – try sipping a chilled Mare and tonic alongside fresh oysters dressed with mignonette sauce. For cheese courses, focus on Mediterranean varieties like manchego or fresh goat cheese drizzled with honey and herbs.

Comparison with Contemporary Gins

In the landscape of contemporary gins, Gin Mare Mediterranean Gin occupies a unique position. Unlike botanical-forward American craft gins that often minimize juniper, Mare maintains enough traditional gin character to satisfy purists while offering something genuinely new. Compared to other herb-forward gins like Hendrick's or Monkey 47, Mare's Mediterranean focus provides a more cohesive flavor narrative.

The closest comparison might be to other Mediterranean or Spanish gins like Gin de Mahón or Nordés, but even these lack Mare's specific combination of Arbequina olives and pan-Mediterranean herbs. The price point, typically ranging from $37-42 for a 750ml bottle, positions it firmly in the premium category alongside other craft offerings, though the unique production methods and premium ingredients justify the cost.

Seasonal Enjoyment Tips

While Gin Mare Mediterranean Gin evokes summer Mediterranean holidays, its versatility extends across seasons. In spring, celebrate the gin's herbal notes with garden-fresh garnishes and lighter mixers. Summer calls for the classic Spanish serve over ice, perhaps enjoyed alfresco with grilled foods. Autumn invites warming combinations – try it in a hot toddy with honey and fresh thyme. Winter brings opportunity for richer preparations; the gin's complexity shines in stirred cocktails served up in chilled coupes.

Entertaining with Gin Mare

Hosting with Gin Mare Mediterranean Gin offers opportunities to transport guests to the Mediterranean. Create a gin and tonic bar with various premium tonics, fresh herbs from the garden, and Mediterranean garnishes. Educate guests about the unique botanicals while they build their perfect serve. The gin's food-friendly nature makes it ideal for dinner parties – offer it as an aperitif that transitions seamlessly to the meal.

For more intimate gatherings, conduct a guided tasting comparing Gin Mare Mediterranean Gin to traditional London Dry styles, highlighting the innovative use of Mediterranean botanicals. Pair small tastes with complementary foods – a drizzle of olive oil on bread, fresh herbs, citrus segments – to demonstrate how the gin captures these flavors.

Storage & Service Recommendations

Proper storage ensures Gin Mare Mediterranean Gin maintains its complex flavor profile. Store bottles upright in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and temperature fluctuations. While gin doesn't spoil like wine, the delicate herbal notes can fade with prolonged exposure to heat or light. Once opened, consume within 1-2 years for optimal flavor, though the spirit remains safe to drink indefinitely.

For service, temperature matters. When serving neat or in stirred cocktails, chill the gin in the freezer for 30 minutes before serving – the cold temperature enhances the oil content from the botanicals, creating a silky mouthfeel. For gin and tonics, use plenty of ice to maintain dilution control and keep garnishes fresh by storing them in ice water before service.

Value Proposition

At its price point, Gin Mare Mediterranean Gin represents excellent value for those seeking a premium, unique gin experience. The labor-intensive production methods, including individual botanical distillation and year-long citrus maceration, justify the cost. Add the use of protected denomination Arbequina olives and herbs sourced from specific Mediterranean regions, and the price reflects genuine craft and quality.

Consider also the versatility – this bottle serves equally well for simple gin and tonics, complex cocktails, and even culinary applications. The distinctive flavor profile means a little goes a long way; the bold botanicals shine through even in mixed drinks, providing better value per serving than more subtle gins that get lost in cocktails. For those building a home bar, Gin Mare Mediterranean Gin offers a point of differentiation that sparks conversation and expands mixing possibilities beyond traditional gin profiles.