Mahón: Gin Distillery Tour With Tasting & Appetizers

Experience a unique taste of Menorca’s heritage at the Xoriguer Distillery. Founded in 1784, this guided tour unveils the artisanal gin-making process, from traditional methods to premium botanicals. Indulge in tastings of the distillery’s renowned gins, paired with local delicacies like sausages and cheese. Dive into the distillery’s rich history and learn about the island’s vibrant food culture. Discover why this tour is a must-visit for gin enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike.

Key Points

• Guided tours of the family-owned Xoriguer Distillery, established in 1784, provide insight into the artisanal gin production process.
• Visitors can sample an assortment of Xoriguer gin offerings, including Mahón Gin and specialty varieties, paired with local Menorcan snacks.
• The distillery utilizes traditional methods with copper stills and hand-sealed bottles, showcasing the craftsmanship behind their premium gin.
• The tour offers a well-rounded sensory experience, enhancing understanding of Menorca’s local food and drink culture.
• The distillery is wheelchair accessible with flexible booking options, making it an accessible and convenient attraction.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Explore the Xoriguer Distillery

While strolling through the quaint streets of Mahón, visitors will discover the Xoriguer Distillery, a true gem of Menorcan heritage. Established in 1784, this family-owned business has been crafting the iconic Xoriguer gin for generations.

On the guided tour, guests gain insight into the artisanal distilling process, from selecting the finest juniper berries to bottling, labeling, and sealing the final product.

Visitors can explore the history and anecdotes associated with the distillery, complemented by tastings of the gin paired with local Menorcan snacks like sausages, cheese, and sweets.

Gin Production Process Unveiled

The guided tour of the Xoriguer Distillery unveils the intricate gin production process that’s been perfected over generations.

Visitors witness the artisanal distilling, bottling, labeling, sealing, and distribution of the renowned Mahón gin. They’ll discover how the distillers carefully select premium juniper berries that are then infused with a blend of botanicals, creating the gin’s signature citrusy, herbal notes.

The tour provides an in-depth look at the traditional methods behind every step, from the copper stills to the hand-sealed bottles.

Travelers gain a newfound appreciation for the skill and craftsmanship that goes into each drop of Xoriguer gin.

Taste the Menorcan Gin Offerings

Visitors can sample an assortment of Menorcan gin offerings during the tasting portion of the Xoriguer Distillery tour.

Visitors can sample an assortment of Menorcan gin offerings during the tasting portion of the Xoriguer Distillery tour.

The tasting includes:

• Xoriguer Gin Mahón: The distillery’s signature gin, made with botanicals native to the island of Menorca.

• Mahón Gin: A dry gin with notes of juniper, coriander, and citrus.

• Xoriguer Gin Negre: A dark gin infused with spices and herbs.

• Xoriguer Gin Vermell: A unique red gin, colored naturally with saffron.

• Xoriguer Gin Verd: A green gin, with flavors of local herbs and botanicals.

Accompanying the gin tasting are local Menorcan snacks, such as sausages, cheese, and traditional sweets, providing a well-rounded sensory experience.

Pairing Gin With Local Delicacies

Beyond the gin tasting, Xoriguer Distillery offers the opportunity to explore how the aromatic gins pair harmoniously with local Menorcan delicacies.

Participants are served a selection of regional sausages, cheeses, and traditional sweets to complement the gin flavors. The salty, savory cured meats accentuate the juniper notes, while the creamy cheeses balance the botanicals.

Finishing with the sweet treats allows the palate to fully experience the complexity of the gin. This pairing enhances the overall tasting experience, providing insight into the local food culture and how it complements the distinct Menorcan gin profile.

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Uncovering the Distillery’s History

As one explores the Xoriguer Distillery, they uncover the rich history that has shaped this iconic gin producer.

The distillery’s origins date back to the 18th century, when it was founded by the Pons family. Over the generations, the distillery has weathered major events, including the Spanish Civil War and the rise of mass-produced gins.

The Xoriguer Distillery’s origins date back to the 18th century, weathering major events like the Spanish Civil War and the rise of mass-produced gins.

Today, the distillery continues to uphold traditional methods, using:

• Copper stills

• Local Menorcan juniper

• Artisanal distilling techniques

• Meticulous bottling and labeling processes

• Time-honored family recipes

This dedication to heritage has earned Xoriguer Distillery a respected place in the gin-making world, making it a must-visit for any gin enthusiast.

Accessibility and Accommodations

The Xoriguer Distillery is wheelchair accessible, though there’s no elevator, and visitors can expect to climb less than 30 steps to see the juniper selection.

Baby carriages can be parked downstairs, making the tour accessible for families.

The distillery recommends visitors bring a fan during the summer months to stay cool near the stills, which can get quite warm.

With these accommodations, the gin distillery tour offers an enjoyable experience for a wide range of guests, ensuring accessibility and comfort throughout the visit.

Traveler Testimonials and Ratings

Visitors overwhelmingly praise the Xoriguer Gin Distillery tour, with an impressive 4.7/5 rating based on 181 reviews.

Travelers highlight several aspects:

• The knowledgeable and engaging guide, earning a perfect 5/5 score

• Excellent value for money, rated 4.7/5

• Fascinating insights into the gin production process

• Delightful tastings paired with local Menorcan snacks

• An overall memorable and immersive experience

Reviewers like Allan from the UK, Giulia from Italy, and Carmela from the UK rave about the tour’s quality, content, and authenticity, making it a must-do activity in Mahón.

Booking Your Gin Distillery Tour

How can travelers book their Xoriguer Gin Distillery tour in Mahón?

Booking is simple and flexible. Travelers can reserve their spot with no upfront payment, allowing them to finalize plans later.

Travelers can reserve their spot with no upfront payment, allowing them to finalize plans later.

The tour has free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing peace of mind. With limited group sizes of 10 participants or fewer, early booking is recommended to secure availability.

The tour is offered in English and Spanish, catering to a diverse audience. By booking in advance, travelers can ensure they experience the artisanal gin-making process and local delicacies during their visit to Mahón.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Purchase Gin at the End of the Tour?

Yes, visitors can purchase gin at the end of the tour. The tour includes a tasting of the distillery’s gin products, and guests have the opportunity to buy bottles to take home as souvenirs.

Is There a Minimum Group Size for the Tour?

The tour has a limited group size of 10 participants, so there’s no minimum group requirement. Guests can book individual spots without having to wait for a full group.

How Much Time Is Allocated for the Tasting and Appetizers?

The tour allots 1 hour for the guided distillery visit, gin tasting, and sampling of local Menorcan snacks like sausages, cheese, and sweets. So the time devoted to the tasting and appetizers portion is approximately 30 minutes.

Is the Tour Offered Daily or on Specific Days?

The tour is available on specific days, not daily. According to the information provided, the availability and starting times can be checked to determine if the tour is offered on the desired date.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks to the Tour?

No, you can’t bring your own food and drinks to the tour. The tour includes a tasting of gin alongside local Menorcan snacks like sausages, cheese, and sweets. Bringing your own items is not permitted.

The Sum Up

The Xoriguer Distillery tour in Mahón, Menorca offers a unique opportunity to dive into the rich heritage of gin-making. Visitors can discover the artisanal production process, sample a range of gins paired with local delicacies, and uncover the distillery’s fascinating history. With tours available in English and Spanish, this experience is both accessible and immersive, allowing travelers to fully embrace the local food culture.

You can check availability for your dates here: