Maior Gin
About Maior Gin
Maior Gin is produced by Bodegas Suau – a Mallorca, Spain based spirits company. Founded in the mid 1800s, Suau is best known for their brandy, but have also produced rum, anisette, and other spirits throughout the years.
This particular bottle of Maior Gin was added to the company’s lineup in 1919. It is made using fig leafs, rosemary, Sóller orange peel, and the usual juniper. Each botanical is distilled separately to maintain the components of the flavor.
Bottle Specs
❖ ABV: 40%
❖ Distillery: Bodegas y Destilerías Suau de Mallorca S.A.
❖ Aging: N/A
❖ Price Point: moderate price
My Tasting notes
I began to take a whiff of this gin, and there was a clear, fresh lemon scent, with a sense of sweetness in the background. The aroma was very smooth.
I took a sip, and it was extremely smooth. There was a nice sense of balance between the flavors, and the herbal qualities were overall less bitter than many other gins. The lemon flavor was prominent, with a mild sweetness throughout. Towards the end of the glass, I also noticed a somewhat earthy flavor with a slight spice kick. It was a bit of a mystery at first, but I suspect it came from the fig leaf, which is a flavor I don’t have tons of experience with.
Cocktail
Army & Navy
❖ 2oz gin
❖ 3/4oz lemon juice
❖ 3/4oz orgeat syrup
❖ 2 dashes Angostura bitters
garnish: lemon twist
- add the ingredients to a shaker with ice, and shake until chilled.
- strain the mixture into a coupe glass.
- garnish with a lemon twist.
In a cocktail, I was very impressed with Maior Gin. There was a flavor of nectarine in the front, which must have been an illusion from the combination of the orgeat and the gin. It was overall very smooth and well balanced, with a delicious fruitiness.
As you can see, I went a little against the grain with my garnish, opting for a larger slice of lemon peel. Since it’s a bit late in the lemon season where I am, the peel was much too brittle and crumbly for a twist.
Bottom Line
RATING: 5/5
At the end of the day, I really enjoyed trying out this bottle of Maior Gin, and I will definitely be recommending it to others. Although it’s not a particularly complex gin, I didn’t find myself bored by it at all, and I think it shines in its simplicity. It just tastes good, period.
As far as the flavors, I also think its a good entry point for folks who don’t think they like gin, or who are hesitant because of past negative experiences with cheap gin. Because the juniper notes are not as prominent or as bitter compared to many other gins, it can provide a gentle introduction to the spirit.
I recommend picking up a bottle of Maior Gin if you get the chance, and I look forward to experimenting with it in many more cocktail recipes this Spring and Summer.
As always, drink responsibly.
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