Greece does make gin, although the production of gin is still relatively limited compared to other spirits such as ouzo and tsipouro. It is worth noting that Greece has a long history of distilling spirits, dating back centuries, but the focus has traditionally been on products such as brandy and liqueurs.
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in craft spirits, including gin, both within Greece and internationally. This has led to the emergence of a handful of Greek gin producers, with Grace gin being one of the most well-known and premium brands.
Grace gin stands out not only for its quality but also for its unique Greek botanicals. The gin is made with a blend of traditional gin botanicals such as juniper, coriander, and citrus peel, but also incorporates Greek botanicals such as mastiha, fennel, and rosemary. These botanicals give Grace gin a distinct Mediterranean character and set it apart from other gins on the market.
One of the challenges for Greek gin producers is the relatively limited availability of local botanicals compared to countries with a longer history of gin production, such as the United Kingdom. However, this has also led to a focus on quality and the use of unique ingredients that showcase the flavors of Greece.
The production process for Greek gin is similar to that of gins produced elsewhere. It typically involves macerating or steeping botanicals in a neutral spirit, followed by distillation. Some producers may also use vapor infusion or other techniques to extract the flavors from the botanicals.
In addition to Grace gin, there are a handful of other Greek gin brands that have entered the market in recent years. These include Athens Gin, which incorporates Greek herbs and citrus fruits, and Ionian Gin, which is made with botanicals sourced from the Ionian Islands.
While Greece may not be widely known for its gin production, there is a growing interest in craft spirits in the country, and a small but dedicated group of producers are working to showcase the unique flavors and botanicals of Greece through their gins. As the craft spirits movement continues to gain momentum, it will be interesting to see how the Greek gin scene develops in the coming years.
To conclude, Greece does indeed make gin, with a handful of producers creating unique and premium gins that incorporate Greek botanicals and flavors. While the production of Greek gin is still relatively small compared to other spirits, it is an exciting and evolving part of the country's craft spirits industry.