A Gin Enthusiast's Guide to Mallorca: Local Flavors vs. Global Spirits

Mallorca, a gem in the Mediterranean, is not only celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes and cultural heritage but also for its contribution to the world of spirits, particularly gin. This guide offers a deep dive into the island's gin scene, comparing Mallorca's own with the rest of Spain and internationally acclaimed brands. Whether you're a gin aficionado or a curious traveler, Mallorca's bars and distilleries offer a rich tapestry of flavors to explore.

Mallorcan Gin: A Taste of the Island

Mallorca's gin production might not be as widely recognized as that of other regions, but it harbors unique treasures that reflect the island's botanical bounty.

Gin Eva

• Location: Llucmajor, easily accessible by road from Palma.
• What Makes It Special: Gin Eva is a small-batch craft gin, distilled using local Mallorcan botanicals, including fresh citrus peels and juniper. It offers a vibrant taste of the island.
• Best Times to Visit: Spring and autumn when the distillery offers tours and tastings.
• Insider Tips: Try their signature Gin Eva La Mallorquina, made from the rare Mallorcan citrus fruit, for a truly unique flavor.
• Ratings & Cost: Highly rated for its freshness and complexity, a bottle costs around €40.

Gin Eva Mallorca

Carrer Marroig, 6a, 07609 Llucmajor, Illes Balears, Spain

4.9

48

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Mercant Gin (Pareis Distillery, Llubí)

Tasting notes
Aromas of warm cinnamon bun and candied orange peel give way to mellow juniper and soft liquorice. Palate is silky‑sweet with a gentle citrus bitterness; finish shows baking‑spice warmth and a hint of nutmeg.

Locals call it “la ginebra de canela y naranja” — the cinnamon‑and‑orange gin — for good reason.

Distillery visits
Pareis Distillery is located at C/ Doctor Fleming 8, 07430 Llubí. Tours and tastings are offered on request (email info@pareis.es or WhatsApp +34 699 59 62 16).

Where to buy
- Pareis Distillery Online Shop (ships EU‑wide)
- Specialist stores in Palma: La Vinoteca (Santa Catalina) & Món de Bebe (El Corte Inglés Gourmet)
- Duty‑free at Palma Airport (seasonal)

Awards
- Gold Medal – Concours International de Lyon 2024
- Gold Medal – Catavinum World Spirits Competition 2024
- Silver Medal – Berlin Spirits Competition 2023

Good to know
Mercant is fully hand‑bottled and capped; labels are printed on recycled paper. Pareis donates €0.50 per bottle to local beekeeping projects that protect Mallorca’s pollinators.

Gin Mallorca Destileria Pareis

Carrer Dr. Fleming, 8, 07430 Llubí, Illes Balears, Spain

5.0

126

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Palma Gin

• Location: Just outside Palma's city center, a short drive or bus ride away.
• What Makes It Special: Crafted with locally sourced botanicals, including Mallorcan almonds and lavender, Palma Gin is organic and offers a distinctively smooth and floral taste.
• Best Times to Visit: Year-round, with special events and tastings offered frequently.
• Insider Tips: Their gin masterclass is a must-do for enthusiasts looking to create their personalized bottle.
• Ratings & Cost: A favorite among locals and visitors alike, expect to pay about €45 for a bottle.

Gin Palma

Carrer del Gremi de Sucrers i Candelers, 20, Nave 3, Norte, 07009 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain

5.0

1

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Cabraboc Gin

• Location: In the heart of the Tramuntana Mountains, accessible by winding mountain roads leading from Palma.
• What Makes It Special: Cabraboc Gin captures the essence of Mallorca with its blend of wild juniper and aromatic herbs found in the Tramuntana Mountains. Its unique distillation process infuses the gin with the spirit of the island.
• Best Times to Visit: Visit during the late spring or early fall for a breathtaking drive and the full distillery experience.
• Insider Tips: Don't miss the opportunity to taste their limited editions, which feature seasonal botanicals for a taste that can't be found anywhere else.
• Ratings & Cost: Esteemed for its bold yet balanced flavor profile, a bottle is typically priced around €50.

Esperit de Mallorca | CABRABOC

Carrer de sa Lluna, 125, 07100 Sóller, Illes Balears, Spain

5.0

1

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Spanish Gins: The Broader Scene

Spain is one of the largest consumers of gin in the world, known for its gin tonics. While Mallorca boasts its own unique gin offerings, let's not forget about Mahon from Menorca. Although it's not our favorite gin on this list, Mahon Gin holds a special place as one of Spain's first gins, with a rich history and a distinctive flavor profile that comes from being distilled in oak barrels. Here are two other standout Spanish gins that compete with Mallorca's offerings.

Nordés Gin

• Origin: Galicia, Spain
• Special Features: Made with Albariño grape-based spirit and 11 botanicals including seaweed, eucalyptus, and lemon peel, Nordés offers a unique maritime flavor.
• Ratings & Cost: This gin has garnered international acclaim for its innovative flavor profile, costing approximately €30 per bottle.

Gin Mare

• Origin: Vilanova i la Geltrú, Catalonia, Spain
• Special Features: Embodying the essence of the Mediterranean, Gin Mare uses olives, thyme, basil, and rosemary in its botanical mix, creating a herbaceous taste.
• Ratings & Cost: A staple in the premium gin market, Gin Mare is priced around €35 per bottle.

International Contenders

To round off the comparison, let's consider two international gins that have made waves globally and how they stack up against Mallorca's offerings.

Hendrick's Gin

• Origin: Scotland
• Special Features: Infused with cucumber and rose petals, Hendrick's offers a delightfully refreshing and floral flavor profile.
• Ratings & Cost: A well-loved classic, it's available for about €35 per bottle.

Tanqueray No. Ten

• Origin: England
• Special Features: A small batch gin crafted using fresh citrus fruits, Tanqueray No. Ten is renowned for its crisp, elegant taste.
• Ratings & Cost: It has consistently high ratings and costs around €30 per bottle.

Tonic Varieties in Mallorca

In Mallorca, the gin tonic experience is elevated by a range of tonics, from local artisanal offerings to international brands like Fever-Tree and Schweppes. Local favorites include Qyuzu, which uses Japanese yuzu for a tart, aromatic tonic, and Me Tonic, a Mallorcan brand that crafts tonics with island botanicals for a unique Mediterranean twist.

Conclusion

Mallorca's gin scene, though smaller in scale, holds its own with distinctive, locally crafted spirits that capture the essence of the island. When compared to broader Spanish and international brands, Mallorcan gins offer a unique tasting experience, reflecting the rich botanical diversity of the region. Whether you're sipping a Gin Eva on a terrace overlooking the Mediterranean or experimenting with the myriad of tonic pairings available, Mallorca provides a gin-tasting journey that's as unique as the island itself. Remember, the best gin experience is one that takes you on a journey, not just of taste but of culture and tradition. Cheers to discovering your perfect gin and tonic under the Mallorcan sun!