Nordés Gin 700ML is a 40% ABV Atlantic gin from Galicia, Spain, distilled from an Albariño grape pomace base with 11 botanicals. It earned 92 points from Wine Enthusiast and was the only Spanish gin included in Wine Enthusiast's Top 100 Spirits of 2020 — a distinction that cemented its reputation as one of Europe's most original contemporary gins.Quick Facts: ABV: 40% | Origin: Galicia, Spain | Style: Contemporary Botanical Gin | Producer: Grupo Osborne S.A.Production & HeritageNordés is produced by Grupo Osborne S.A., one of Spain's oldest and most established drinks companies, though this gin represents a sharp departure from tradition. Instead of a grain-neutral spirit, the base distillate comes from pomace of locally grown Albariño grapes — the same aromatic white grape that defines Rías Baixas wines. Eleven botanicals are individually macerated and distilled separately before blending. Six of those botanicals — bay leaf, lemon verbena, sea bean (salicornia), mint, eucalyptus, and sage — are hand-harvested in Galicia, while the remaining five (cardamom, hibiscus flower, ginger, black tea, and juniper) round out the profile. The use of salicornia, a succulent coastal plant, introduces a subtle maritime salinity rarely found in gin.Tasting NotesAroma: Fresh and fruity, opening with bright citrus from the lemon verbena and Albariño base. Green herbal tones — sage, bay leaf — layer beneath white fruit aromas and a faint whiff of sea salt.Taste: The entry is fruit-forward and smooth, with white peach and gentle floral notes from hibiscus appearing on the mid-palate. As the gin develops, herbaceous sage and bay leaf emerge alongside grapefruit peel and warming spice from cardamom and ginger. Juniper plays a supporting role, present but deliberately subtle.Finish: Medium in length with a clean, slightly mineral texture and a lingering herbal-citrus exhale. The maritime character from the salicornia surfaces faintly at the very end, leaving a dry, refreshing close.How to Drink NordésNordés drinks well neat or over a single large ice cube, which opens up the floral and fruity aromatics without diluting the herbal backbone. Its fruit-forward, low-juniper profile also makes it an exceptionally versatile cocktail gin. A Gin & Tonic with a light Mediterranean tonic and a grape or grapefruit garnish is the signature Galician serve. It works beautifully in a French 75, where the Albariño grape base harmonizes naturally with sparkling wine. A Bee's Knees benefits from the gin's inherent peach and floral sweetness, requiring less honey syrup than a London Dry would.Best For Introducing wine lovers to the world of gin, given its Albariño grape foundation Summer entertaining where lighter, aromatic cocktails take center stage Gifting someone who already owns the classic London Dry staples and wants something different Building a diverse gin collection that represents regional terroir and non-traditional production Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Nordés taste like? Nordés is fruit-forward and herbaceous, with prominent white peach, lemon verbena citrus, sage, and hibiscus floral notes supported by a subtle maritime salinity and restrained juniper.How does Nordés compare to Hendrick's Gin? Both are contemporary gins that push beyond the classic juniper-heavy London Dry template, but Nordés uses an Albariño grape base rather than grain, giving it a distinctly fruity, wine-like character. Hendrick's leans into rose and cucumber botanicals for its signature flavor, while Nordés derives its personality from Galician coastal botanicals like salicornia and lemon verbena.Is Nordés good for cocktails? Its lower juniper intensity, natural fruitiness, and smooth texture make Nordés an excellent cocktail gin, particularly in citrus-driven and sparkling serves like the Gin & Tonic, French 75, and Bee's Knees.Where is Nordés made? Nordés is produced in Galicia, the lush Atlantic coastal region in northwestern Spain, by Grupo Osborne S.A. Six of its eleven botanicals are hand-harvested locally in Galicia.What foods pair well with Nordés? Fresh Galician-style seafood like grilled octopus or razor clams highlights the gin's maritime salinity. Goat cheese with honey mirrors its herbal-floral sweetness. Ceviche complements the citrus and saline notes. Smoked salmon brings out the eucalyptus and bay leaf aromatics. Light fruit tarts echo the Albariño-derived peach character.What sizes does Nordés come in? Nordés Gin is commonly available in the 700ml bottle, which is the standard European format; a 1L format also exists in select markets.Is Nordés worth the price? Nordés positions as a premium contemporary gin, priced above mainstream London Dry options but in line with other artisanal or botanical-forward gins. Its unique Albariño grape base, individual botanical distillation, and strong critical recognition — including 92 points and a Top 100 Spirits listing from Wine Enthusiast — support its standing in that tier.Why Nordés?The Albariño grape base is the defining differentiator — very few gins worldwide use wine-grape pomace as their foundation, and the resulting spirit carries a fruity, almost vinous quality that grain-based gins simply cannot replicate. Add to that six hand-harvested Galician botanicals, including the rare salicornia that introduces genuine maritime minerality, and Nordés becomes a gin rooted in a specific place rather than a formula. Its 92-point score from Wine Enthusiast and inclusion in their Top 100 Spirits of 2020, along with a 2023 Gold Medal (Exceptional) from the Beverage Testing Institute, confirm that the liquid delivers on its ambitious concept. For anyone seeking a gin that genuinely tastes different from the London Dry canon, Nordés makes one of the most compelling cases in the category.
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