Contents
Larios (Larios) – the best-selling gin in Spain. The history of its production goes back 150 years. The drink is produced according to the classical technology by analogy with London Dry Gin, with the difference that a set of spices in the recipe is replaced by Mediterranean lemons and oranges. The brand belongs to the Japanese alcohol holding Suntory.
Historical information
The history of Larios gin began in 1866, when the French businessman Charles Lamotte, together with the Spanish entrepreneur Pedro Jimenez, decided to open a distillery in Malaga. The company was named Jiménez & Lamothe and was engaged in the production of wines and brandy.
In 1916, the company was acquired by the Marquis José Aurelio Larios, who renamed the company Larios y Cía and began producing gin using English technology. The drink was made on the basis of grain alcohol with the addition of juniper berries and Mediterranean fruits: lemon and orange. The gin belonged to the London Dry category, but its taste stood out against the background of products from other manufacturers due to its rich citrus undertones.
In 1950, the manufacturer changed the design of Larios, and the drink began to come out in a stylized flat bottle. This form was more modern and corresponded to the fashion of that time. By the 80s, Larios had become the best-selling gin in Spain, holding 55,4% of the country’s market. In Europe, the gin took an honorable third place in its class.
In the late 90s, the brand briefly became the property of Pernod Ricard, and then the company was bought by Beam Global Spirits & Wine, paying the French concern more than 100 million euros. In 2016, official sales of the brand in the UK started. In the same year, the company became part of the Suntory holding, a well-known manufacturer of Japanese whiskey.
Production features
The company’s plant worked in Malaga until 1998, then the production moved twice and is now located in the Spanish city of Segovia. The drink is made by double distillation. Before the first distillation, alcohol is insisted on juniper berries, the second one is made with the addition of bitter oranges from Haiti and Spanish lemons.
In 2009, the company launched the Larios 12 premium gin, which includes twelve plant-based ingredients. Aromatic spirits are obtained during fivefold distillation.
Awards:
- International Spirit Challenge 2004, London – silver medal;
- International Wine & Spirit Competition 2014, London – silver medal;
- International Spirits Challenge 2018, London – bronze medal.
Interesting Facts
In the 90s, the Larios calendar came out with photos of celebrities advertising gin. The publication became popular in Spain and greatly increased brand awareness.
In the entire history of the existence of gin, the company has changed the design of products ten times. The modern design features bright holiday colors. The colorful print of the label is made in the Mediterranean style.
Types of Gin Larios
Larios London Dry Gin, 37,5%
The most popular gin in the line. The aroma mixes the smells of juniper, citrus, flowers and herbs. The taste is refreshing with pronounced coniferous, orange and spicy tones. The manufacturer recommends drinking gin with ice, tonic and flavoring the edges of the glass with citrus zest.
Larios 12 Botanicals Premium Gin, 40%
The composition includes seven types of citrus fruits, as well as juniper, coriander, nutmeg, orange flowers and angelica root. The aroma mixes coniferous, lemon and tangerine shades. The taste is complex and refreshing, with a rich spicy bouquet. Perfect serving – with tonic, lime and orange blossom.
Larios Rose, 37,5%
A pink gin based on juniper and natural strawberry extract. The taste is characterized by natural sweetness and berry shades. Suitable for cocktails with the addition of Sprite, ice, raspberries and strawberries.
