Bartolomé and Carlos
One hundred and forty-five years ago, in Formentera, a distillery was founded driven by botanical knowledge, respect for tradition and a deep connection with the land. Today, that same company, Familia Marí Mayans, is still alive, led by the fifth generation: brothers Bartolomé and Carlos Marí Mayans Ruiz, who share leadership, vision and a responsibility that, rather than weighing them down, inspires them. In this interview, they both reveal the soul behind the brand, the legacy they protect and the innovation that drives their latest launches.
How do you start your day? Do you have any personal routines that you cannot do without?
-Bartolomé: I check the diary before breakfast, take the girls to class and go straight to the office. I always try to study or read for at least 30 minutes every day.
-Carlos: Mine is similar, between making breakfast, going over homework with my daughter and taking her to school. Also, what I never fail to do is some exercise and reading before bedtime.
How would you describe yourselves without mentioning your last name or the company?
-Bartolomé: I’m a real perfectionist and very particular. I spend the whole day thinking about things. I love tranquillity, a cove, my wife, my daughters and a good gazpacho.
-Carlos: I’m not such a perfectionist, although I like things to be done well. I consider myself family-oriented, practical and I like to help. I enjoy the day to day and the simple things.
What is it like working with a surname with so much history?
-Bartolomé: I don’t see it as a burden. We work in something we like and that makes it more bearable. It is almost impossible for a brand to reach 145 years of age, and we are still here.
-Carlos: For me, more than a burden, it is motivation. Our parents are gone, and now it’s up to us to live up to what they built. We hope to last at least another 145 years.
What sets Hierbas Ibicencas Marí Mayans apart aside from the flavour?
-Bartolomé: Tradition, continuous improvement and the way each plant is handled separately. We don’t just macerate the aniseed: we distil it, infuse it, take care of each step of the process.
-Carlos: And we depend on the Ibizan countryside, its plants, its people. We are committed to new technologies, but what makes the difference is how we do things. Whoever visits us, notices this.
Still
How do you keep the brand’s essence intact without losing its sense of originality?
-Bartolomé: With a lot of hard work, a great team and, above all, our customers, who continue to trust in us.
-Carlos: History is on our side, but we are also constantly evolving. New projects, new ideas... We try to make that sense of originality felt at every step.
What has been the most difficult and the most exciting moment?
-Bartolomé: The stress, the red tape, the abusive regulations, the fraudulent copies... But there is also the thrill of seeing our presence consolidated in many countries.
-Carlos: I completely agree with my brother.
What are the principles that you have always upheld as a family and as a company?
-Bartolomé: Upholding tradition and offering the highest quality at the best price.
-Carlos: For us, the most important thing today is excellence. We have a team that shares this vision and defends it every day.
We are committed to new technologies, but what makes the difference is how we do things
Your new products such as IBIZEN Infusiones and Marí Mayans 0% mark a turning point. How did these products come about?
-Bartolomé: Sometimes from a good idea... or a bad one. But if we see that it is viable, we develop it. In recent years we have updated our IBZ Premium Gin line, but we have also launched non-alcoholic products, such as our IBIZEN Infusions with aromatic herbs from the island, and this year we are introducing Marí Mayans 0% alcohol. And we are already thinking about what is to come...
-Carlos: Beyond launching new products, we are committed to the Ibizan countryside. It is part of our DNA. We are constantly evolving, but with our feet on the ground.
What products represent you the most?
-Ambos: IBIZEN Infusions and Marí Mayans 0%. These are products that have taken us out of our comfort zone, outside the world of spirits. Frígola® is also a unique gem, registered since 1902.
Your work combines science, tradition and a respect for the local area. What role does the island play in all this?
-Ambos: It is key. Ibiza’s plants are special, yes, but the real secret lies in knowing what to do with them. We work with distillation, infusion, maceration... We have agreements with local farmers and also our own land in Sant Miquel de Balansat, where we grow our own aromatic herbs: lemon verbena, thyme, mint, peppermint, cade juniper, tree wormwood, rosemary, chamomile... as well as oranges and lemons.
Spirit drinks
How do you find a balance between innovation and tradition?
-Bartolomé: From the field to the packaging, everything is subject to artisanal processes and state-of-the-art technology. We take care of every detail.
-Carlos: We are also qualified as master craftsmen—my brother is the first, I am the second. With our type of volume, that is historic. And we are also in the process of obtaining artisanal certification for the distillery.
What are your dreams for the future of the brand?
-Bartolomé: That it is a strong global product, without losing its roots or its quality.
-Carlos: Another 145 years more.
If you had to make a toast with one of your Hierbas Ibicencas for just one reason, what would it be?
-Bartolomé: That the world shifts down a gear or two and we live with less stress.
-Carlos: The same, but I would do it with a couple of glasses of Frígola®: one with ice, and one without.
