My Noto Gin Table

Gin drinking and production have experienced a global renaissance, including in Noto and Italy.

Gin's popularity is due to many factors. From the drinker's perspective, it is a lighter drink, with its unique blend of botanicals and juniper, making it perfect for cocktail culture. For the producer, gin has low production costs and high margins!

Gin originated in the Netherlands during the 16th century. It was first developed as "genever," a malt wine-based spirit flavoured with juniper berries for medicinal purposes. Dutch physician Franciscus Sylvius is often credited with refining the drink.

English soldiers discovered genever during the Eighty Years' War. They observed the courage the Dutch seemed to have, which was credited to the drink’s calming effects. So one of the names for the drink became ‘Dutch Courage’.

My Noto home is proud to have a gin table that dominated by gin from the island of Sicily and mainland Italy (plus a few outliers). My thanks go to D&T Bevande, the best wine and spirits merchant in Noto, from whom I have purchased all my gins (and not just a few wines either).

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So, let's cut the talk and get onto my Noto gin table, awaiting enjoyment at aperitivo time...

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Etneum

Name: Etneum derives from its location near Mt Etna.

Location: Near Mt Etna (Catania), Sicily.

Botanicals: Bergamot, lemon, violet, rose, orange blossom and coriander.

Garnishes: Grapefruit peel, basil leaf or rosemary sprig.

Instagram: Etneum

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Ionica Gin Marino

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Name: Ionica derives from its location near the Ionania Sea, which is reflected in its salty taste.

Location: Avola (Catania), Sicily.

Botanicals: Juniper, Sage, Rosemary, Myrtle, Cardamom, Sweet Orange and Bitter Orange, Grapefruit and Orange Blossoms.

Garnishes: Lemon twist, cucumber slice, basil leaf, rosemary sprig or orange peel.

Instagram: Ionica

Mater

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Name: Mater is the Latin name for mother.

Location: Modica (Ragusa), Sicily.

Botanicals: Citrus, thyme, rosemary, broom, juniper and Modican almond.

Garnishes: Lemon twist or grapefruit peel.

Instagram: Mater

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Undici

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Name: Unidici is Italian for eleven and refers to the 11 botanicals used in its production.

Location: Misterbianco (Catania), Sicily.

Botanicals: Juniper, bergamot, lemon, orange, angelica root, coriander seeds, orris root, liquorice root, cinnamon, cardamom, cassia bark.

Garnishes: Lemon twist, orange peel, rosemary sprig, cinnamon stick or star anise.

Instagram: Undici

Dibaldo 107.86

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Name: "107.86" refers to the specific distillation proof of the gin, which is 107.86 proof (approximately 53.93% ABV).

Location: Santarcangelo di Romagna (RN), Italy.

Botanicals: Juniper, citrus fruits, angelica root, coriander seeds, orris root, liquorice root.

Garnishes: Rosemary sprig or lemon peel.

Instagram: Dibaldo

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Portofino

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Name: Portofino gin is named after the picturesque village where it is produced.

Location: Portofino (Liguri), Northern Italy.

Botanicals: Juniper, lemon, lavender, rosemary, sage, iris, coriander seeds, marjoram, and angelica root (the producer has not disclosed the other 12 botanicals).

Garnishes: Lemon twist, rosemary sprig or lavender sprig.

Instagram: Portofino

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Engine

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Name: Engine gin is inspired by the passion, precision and performance nature of engines and the craftsmanship required.

Location: Alta Langa (Piedmont), Northwest Italy.

Botanicals: Juniper, lemon peel, liquorice root, sage, damask rose.

Garnishes: Sage, lime slice or cucumber.

Instagram: Engine

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