Menorca’s Gin: The Island Spirit with a Seafaring Soul

On an island where traditions linger like the scent of wild rosemary on the breeze, gin holds a special place. Menorca’s gin is not just a drink — it is a living legacy of seafaring days, a distillation of the island’s history, its landscape, and its quiet pride. While gin’s story may have begun in Britain, here in Menorca it took on a character all its own, shaped by Mediterranean sun, native botanicals, and centuries of craftsmanship.

A Spirit Born of Empire and Island

Gin first arrived on Menorcan shores in the 18th century, when British rule (1713–1802) brought sailors and soldiers with a thirst for their national spirit. Lacking the grain spirits of home, local distillers met the demand using what they had — abundant juniper berries from the Mediterranean scrubland and grape-based spirit drawn from the island’s winemaking traditions.

Thus was born Gin de Menorca, a spirit with deep roots in both British naval tradition and Menorcan terroir. Unlike London dry gins, Menorcan gin carries a softer, rounder profile — smooth and herbal, with juniper at its heart but gentled by citrus and the whisper of local wild herbs. It is gin, yes, but with the easy charm and warmth of the island itself.

The Xoriguer Legacy

No name is more synonymous with Menorcan gin than Xoriguer (pronounced shore-ee-gay), founded in Mahón in the 18th century and still proudly operating today. Named after the family’s windmill, Xoriguer is one of Europe’s oldest gin distilleries still in operation. Inside, traditional copper stills bubble quietly, preserving methods handed down through generations.

Xoriguer’s gin is unmistakable — aromatic, mild, with juniper leading but never overpowering. There’s a soft citrus lift, a touch of wild herbs, and a smoothness that makes it dangerously easy to sip. It is this spirit that anchors island celebrations, especially in the form of the Pomada — gin mixed with lemon soda or fresh lemonade, served over ice and sipped under the summer sun during Menorca’s famed fiestas.

A New Generation: Artisans and Innovators

But Menorca’s gin story does not rest on history alone. In recent years, a new wave of distillers has brought fresh energy to the island’s craft. Artisanal brands like GLOP and Innat have emerged, each drawing inspiration from Menorca’s rich natural palette.

Here, gins are infused with wild rosemary gathered from coastal paths, zesty island citrus, and even sea fennel plucked from the shores — creating complex, nuanced spirits that capture the essence of Menorca’s landscape. These modern expressions reflect the island’s evolving craft movement while paying homage to its roots. Limited editions, special infusions, and small-batch releases now sit proudly alongside Xoriguer's classic label, offering gin lovers a deeper exploration of Menorca’s flavors.

The Experience: Gin in Menorca Today

To truly understand Menorca’s gin, one must taste it where it was born. A visit to the Xoriguer distillery in Mahón is an immersion into history and aroma, with tastings that guide you through the layers of flavor. Across the island, beach bars and fine dining restaurants alike honor gin’s place in the culture:

• Sip a Pomada as the sun sets over Ciutadella’s harbor.

• Order a gin and tonic at a seaside chiringuito, served in generous tumblers with a flourish of fresh herbs and citrus.

• Discover gin pairings woven into tasting menus at Menorca’s top restaurants, where each sip complements local delicacies like sobrasada, Mahonés cheese, and seafood pulled from the Mediterranean that morning.

A Taste of the Island’s Spirit

Gin in Menorca is more than a drink — it is the taste of the island itself. From the juniper-scented hills to the wind that turns the sails and stirs the sea fennel, every element finds its echo in the glass. Whether enjoyed in the timeless form of a Pomada during a summer fiesta, or discovered anew in an artisanal blend crafted by the island’s new generation, Menorcan gin invites you to slow down, sip, and savor the enduring spirit of this Mediterranean gem.