Spirits is a category with a smaller, carefully chosen selection of distillates - mainly Spanish gins, vodka and rum. The gins are represented by the brands Siderit from Cantabria, Santamanía from Madrid, Macaronesian Gin from the Canary Islands and the traditional Xoriguer Mahón from Menorca, made according to a recipe going back to the 18th century. Vodka is offered by Santamanía and Siderit, while the rums include smaller Spanish distilleries as well as the respected Guatemalan Zacapa Centenario aged for 23 years. The gins in this category often stand out through non-traditional flavouring (Ginger-Lime, Hibiscus) or ageing in used sherry casks, which gives them a characteristic flavour different from classic London Dry gin.
How to find your way around this category
Gins make up most of the range and differ mainly in their botanicals and method of ageing - from classic to flavoured (fruity, spiced) and cask-aged versions. Vodka is represented to a smaller extent, both plain and flavoured (Lactée). Rums include both smaller Spanish distilleries and the premium Zacapa with its particular method of ageing.
For gin and tonic, classic, less flavoured versions are a good fit, while for tasting the distillate on its own, cask-aged or premium editions are more suitable.
Gins, vodka and rum - how they differ
Type
Example in the range
Characteristics
Recommended use
Classic / regional gin
Xoriguer Mahón, Macaronesian Gin
Traditional recipe, regional botanicals
Gin and tonic, cocktails
Flavoured gin
Siderit Ginger-Lime, Siderit Hibiscus
Pronounced fruity or spiced notes
Summer cocktails
Cask-aged gin
Siderit Reserva Sherry Cask
Amber colour, more complex flavour from the sherry cask
Tasting on its own
Vodka
Santamanía Premium, Siderit Lactée
Plain or gently flavoured
Cocktails, neat with ice
Rum
Zacapa Centenario 23 years
Long ageing by the solera system at high altitude
Tasting on its own, digestif
You will always find the specific botanicals, alcohol content and method of ageing in the description of the given product.
Gin with regional character
Xoriguer Mahón is made on Menorca according to a recipe going back to the 18th century, when the island was influenced by the British presence - it is distilled in old copper stills and ages in oak casks. Siderit, by contrast, relies on Cantabrian herbs and experiments with non-traditional flavours and with ageing in used sherry casks.
Cask-aged gins have a different, darker colour and a more complex flavour than classic clear gin - this is not a defect but a deliberate style.
Frequently asked questions
What is Gin de Mahón?
It is a gin made on the island of Menorca according to a traditional recipe going back to the 18th century, distilled in old copper stills. Xoriguer is its best-known representative.
Why does cask-aged rum or gin have a darker colour?
The distillate acquires its colour and part of its flavour during ageing in a wooden cask, which releases tannin and aromatic substances from the wood - the longer the ageing, the more pronounced the colour and the flavour.
How long does an opened bottle of spirits keep?
Spirits with a high alcohol content (gin, vodka, rum) practically do not degrade once opened and can be stored at room temperature away from direct sunlight for many months or even years.
What makes Zacapa Centenario special?
Zacapa ages in the Guatemalan mountains at high altitude, where the cooler climate slows down the ageing and helps preserve a delicate flavour - a solera system similar to that used for sherry is applied.
How is gin and tonic served?
The classic ratio is roughly 1 part gin to 2-3 parts tonic, with plenty of ice and a slice of citrus or a herb according to the botanicals of the particular gin.
The type of botanicals in the case of gin, the method of ageing in the case of rum. Also: cask-aged versions have a more pronounced and more complex flavour.
What we base this on
On information from the distilleries Siderit, Xoriguer, Santamanía and Zacapa. Also: we verify the specific alcohol content on the individual products.
Where the limits are
The selection is smaller than for wine, and availability changes for some products. Also: you will find the current stock availability in the product detail.
What this category does not cover
Neither wine, vermouth nor ready-made cocktails. Also: you will find those in the Wines, Vermouth and Sangría categories.