List of products by brand Xoriguer Destilerias
Xoriguer Destilerías: Menorca’s historic gin with a Mediterranean character
Xoriguer Destilerías is one of the Balearic Islands' most iconic producers and a benchmark name in the making of Gin de Mahón—Menorca’s celebrated traditional gin. With its authentic style, intense aromatic profile, and strong ties to the local area, Xoriguer is far more than just a gin; it is a symbol of Menorcan culture and the island's long history of distilling.
Produced in Mahón, the capital of Menorca, Gin Xoriguer stands out for its artisanal production method and an instantly recognizable aromatic identity. Its dry, herbaceous, and balsamic flavor profile makes it ideal both for sipping neat and for creating fresh, aromatic Mediterranean cocktails.
The History of Xoriguer
The tradition of gin-making in Menorca dates back to the 18th century, during the period of British rule over the island. British sailors and soldiers, accustomed to drinking gin, brought the habit with them, fostering the development of local production initially intended to meet the troops' demand.
This influence gave rise to Gin de Mahón, a unique specialty within the landscape of Spanish spirits. Destilerías Xoriguer has successfully preserved and celebrated this heritage, keeping traditional production methods alive and transforming its gin into a product that embodies the spirit of Menorca.
The name "Xoriguer" refers to an old windmill owned by the producing family—a symbol that still appears on the label today. This connection to local history helps make Xoriguer gin a spirit deeply rooted in the island's memory and identity.
A Mediterranean gin with a unique personality
Unlike many modern gins, Xoriguer Gin de Mahón is produced with a bold, traditional style. The grape-based spirit is flavored primarily with juniper berries, the central element of the gin's aromatic profile. Distillation takes place in copper stills, using a process that preserves intensity, freshness, and character.
The result is a dry, fragrant, and straightforward gin with a distinctively Mediterranean character. Xoriguer eschews artificial sweetness or excessive flavoring in favor of an essential balance between juniper, herbaceous notes, resinous nuances, and a pleasant balsamic quality.
Tasting Notes
Visually, Xoriguer Gin de Mahón is clear and crystalline.
On the nose, it offers an intense, distinctive profile dominated by juniper berries, accompanied by herbaceous notes, hints of resin, Mediterranean herbs, and subtle spicy undertones.
On the palate, it is dry, bold, and aromatic. Juniper takes center stage, supported by a clean structure and pleasant freshness. Balsamic sensations and vegetal accents emerge, alongside a pronounced yet balanced alcoholic note typical of the traditional style.
The finish is dry, persistent, and slightly spicy, with lingering notes of juniper and Mediterranean scrub.
How to Enjoy Xoriguer
Xoriguer is a versatile spirit, perfect for enjoying in various ways. In Menorca, it is the star ingredient of the *Pomada*, a traditional island cocktail made with gin and lemonade. Fresh, simple, and thirst-quenching, the *Pomada* represents one of the most authentic ways to enjoy Xoriguer in Menorca.
It can also be served as a classic Gin & Tonic, paired with a neutral or lightly citrusy tonic water to highlight the spirit's juniper notes and herbaceous character. For a more Mediterranean twist, you can garnish the drink with a lemon twist, a few juniper berries, or a sprig of rosemary.
It is also ideal for classic cocktails such as:
Gin & Tonic
Martini
Negroni
Tom Collins
Pomada (Menorcan style)
Recommended pairings
Thanks to its dry, aromatic profile, Xoriguer Gin de Mahón pairs well with simple, savory Mediterranean dishes. It is perfect with:
Spanish tapas
olives and salted almonds
fresh or semi-aged cheeses
anchovies and tinned fish
prawns, calamari, and seafood
lemon and herb-based dishes
light Mediterranean cuisine
When served in refreshing cocktails, it is an excellent accompaniment to summer aperitifs, casual dinners, and convivial outdoor gatherings.
Why choose Xoriguer Destilerías?
Choosing Xoriguer Destilerías means discovering an authentic gin that stands apart from more modern, international styles. Its value lies not only in the quality of the spirit but also in the story it tells: the story of Menorca, the port of Mahón, and a tradition born from the meeting of British culture and a Mediterranean soul.
Xoriguer Gin de Mahón is ideal for those seeking a traditional Spanish gin—a spirit with a dry, aromatic character—or a distinctive product for classic cocktails and aperitifs with a Mediterranean flavor.