Stefan Winterling and Eva Maier Gómez
A distillery with a moving history that captures the spirit of the island can be found in Llucmajor, between the sea and fields, between ancient olive trees, aromatic plants in the Serra de Tramontana and vibrant citrus trees in the Sóller Valley. It is the joint project of Stefan Winterling and Eva Maier Gómez, who met while studying oenology in Germany, moved to Mallorca in 2008, and opened the island’s first gin distillery in 2011.
They began their careers working in different wineries and, in 2009, Stefan used one to distil what would become the first Mallorcan gin. A few years later, in a humble garage, they started to create their own gins. And although those first attempts “weren’t perfect”, as Stefan says, because they were very generic and they hoped to create something different, these initial products gave them a clear insight into what they wanted: spirits that reflect the island’s diverse landscapes.
“With wine, you only have one opportunity to do things right each year, but you have lots more with gin, which means we can improve our recipes until they are exactly how we want them to be. We loved that from the beginning,” Stefan explains.
Over the years. Gin Eva has evolved considerably from its small beginnings to an internationally renowned brand and the winner of countless awards. The success of Gin Eva lies in an approach linked to the terroir concept, borrowed from the world of wine, and Stefan and Eva have skilfully transferred this approach to the kingdom of spirits. In doing so, each of their gins reflects their beloved Mallorca, from Sóller citrus fruit to the aromatic plants and olive trees of the Tramontana, creating a sensory experience that transports you straight to the island’s different landscapes.
Casa Eva: the start of a new era
2021 was the start of a new chapter for Gin Eva with the opening of Casa Eva, a new distillery with a showroom and tasting room. The space saw the brand physically expand its premises, and it also symbolised its philosophy: sharing a love of gin with friends, customers, and visitors who want to explore the simplicity and authentic flavour of their spirits.
You can book a unique and fun guided tasting session on their website, and the experience ends with the chance to make a cocktail. You can also book private events for a more intimate experience with friends, family or work colleagues.
Gin Eva stands out on the spirits scene for its vision and flavour, and the recognition it has earned over the years. A huge number of awards demonstrate its excellence, and each gin made by the distillery has a unique story rooted in Mallorca’s land and traditions. The distillery also makes other liqueurs with products from the island, expanding its range while always aiming to use local flavours in an authentic and distinctive way. These include orange liqueur, a red citrus bitter aperitif, and fennel liqueur, among others, because they are always experimenting to create new and exciting options.
La Vermella and La Bergamota: tradition and innovation in every bottle
La Vermella, awarded the “Best Spanish Gin” prize in 2019 by the World Gin Awards, is a masterpiece that evokes liquid memories of Mediterranean summers and sea breezes. Critics praise its refreshing, complex character, and it is a spirit that enhances tonic water in the classic drink combination.
In turn, La Bergamota received the “Best Spanish Gin with a Signature Botanical” award in 2020 and is testament to Eva and Stefan’s constant search for the most exceptional ingredients.
La Mallorquina: Best Gin in the World with a Signature Botanical at the 2019 World Gin Awards
A special version distilled with Mallorcan Valldemossa olives. Olives have a long tradition as a cocktail decoration, perhaps because their salty flavour combines perfectly with a Dry Martini. And that’s just what Eva and Stefan had in mind when they distilled this gin. Of course, it is ideal mixed in a gin and tonic too.
Old Tom: the good old days
Gin Eva’s Old Tom, awarded the “Best Spanish Old Tom Gin” prize in 2024, is a nostalgic nod to 19th century gin recipes. The drink is unfiltered to keep the full richness of its flavours, and brings to mind the era of Jerry Thomas and his full-bodied cocktails. Old Tom is aged in oak barrels, giving it a robust character and subtle sweetness, blending wood and fruit notes in a dance of classic and modern flavours.
La Canoneta and S’Horabaixa: the essence of Mallorca
Awarded the “Best Spanish Gin with a Signature Botanical” prize at the 2024 World Gin Awards, La Canoneta is a tribute to the canoneta orange, the emblematic citrus fruit from the Sóller Valley, and is a celebration of the island.
S’Horabaixa won “Best Spanish Contemporary Style Gin” in 2024, and represents the essence of a Mallorcan sunset through its hypnotic blend of thyme, lemon, and juniper botanicals. It is an invitation to enjoy Mediterranean evenings with a refreshing gin and tonic in your hand.
Reinvented classics: Stefan and Eva’s favourite recipes
Stefan and Eva also share their love of cocktails through unique creations such as the “Evatini” (Stefan's favourite), a local version of the classic Martini made with Gin Eva La Mallorquina. Another delicious option is Eva’s “Porrini”, a Mallorcan reinterpretation of the Negroni, made with Gin Eva Old Tom and their Artisan Red Citrus Bitter, served in a traditional glass pitcher. These recipes perfectly reflect the distillery’s identity: a fusion of tradition and modernity, linking the history and culture of Mallorca with the world of spirits. If you would like to discover their cocktail recipes, make sure to visit www.gin-eva.com.
With every sip of Gin Eva, Stefan and Eva are toasting a story of love and dedication, and making a heart-felt tribute to the land that welcomed them, ensuring that each drop contains the essence of Mallorca and the passion of its creators. Gin Eva is not just a gin, it is the result of a shared dream, and is a journey for the senses around the most enchanting islands in the Mediterranean. Gin Eva is the spirit of Mallorca’s nature.
