“My main ambition as a gardener is to water my orange trees with gin, then all I have to do is squeeze the juice into a glass,” American comedian, actor, juggler and writer W. C. Fields used to say, intending to emphasise his weakness for this coniferous spirit.
For some reason, many artistic figures adore gin, almost as if this drink is well suited to eloquent thinking and refined performance. This could possibly explain why three Greek women envisaged and created a new and unique gin, made in Greece.
“This story began five years ago with three women who share the same passion for creativity, a Scotsman who convinced them that their idea is feasible, and two companies that decided to collaborate on a common vision,” explained trio member Lila Dimopoulou. The idea began evolving when Katerina and Hara Katsou from the Avantes Distillery met Dimopoulou and John Cowden of LKC Premium Drinks.
“Katerina and Hara are two exceptional second-generation distillers at the Avantes Distillery,” said Dimopoulou, a dynamic woman possessing extensive experience and knowledge in the beverages industry. “The three of us met at a trade fair back in February, 2016 and quickly discovered that we shared a common goal of wanting to create a Greek gin of unique character that could compete with established foreign labels. And that’s how Grace Gin came to be, more or less,” Lila Dimopoulou continued.
Full aroma, depth and substance in taste
“Grace Gin has all the basic ingredients of an exceptional premium gin, such as juniper, cassia, pittosporum tobira roots and iris roots, coriander, cardamom, and others. But it is the Greek elements that make it differ – samphire, lentisk, myrtle, orange blossoms, and citrus peels – offering Grace Gin’s exceptional aromas and unique taste. In order to highlight the aromas of these elements to their fullest, while also maintaining balanced flavour, we have utilised innovative, time-consuming techniques, such as water and steam distillation, a technique usually applied by perfumers,” noted Lila Dimopoulou.
“Since 2016, when the idea to create Grace Gin emerged and production began, the product immediately made a good impression in the domestic market. In more recent years, it has also been made available in foreign markets, more specifically in Germany, Austria, the UK, Cyprus, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Switzerland, the USA and Australia, gaining a loyal following, both amongst consumers and industry professionals. Meanwhile, Grace Gin has also earned distinctions at numerous renowned international competitions,” she continued.
Asked how Grace Gin has been received in countries such as the UK, for example, where gin is an integral part of the culture, Lila Dimopoulou’s response included a rundown of the Greek gin’s accolades.
“It was received with hesitancy at first – people wondering ‘Greek gin?’, then with surprise, and ultimately, in many cases, with fanatic acceptance. This acceptance tells us that we’re on the right track, as do the numerous awards won by Grace Gin at the following international competitions as Gold award at the Europe Wine & Spirits Trophy 2021 and Silver award in the World Spirit Competition category at the San Francisco international competition.
“Yes, serving proposals that have been tested time and time again”
“Besides the many awards and distinctions, Grace Gin is the brainchild of three mother-creators, and, naturally, all three of us are particularly proud about it. Especially because we experience the love and devotion in the production process that is later tasted in the Grace Gin bottle’s content. The special techniques and time required to produce it; the fact that it is 100% distilled; and, naturally, the distinct Greek character of the product, are just some of the characteristics that make us proud,” Lila Dimopoulou remarked.
I asked my interviewee if there is a right or wrong way to drink gin, even though tonic is definitely my favourite mix, for the result’s bittersweet caress.
“Look, yes, serving proposals that have been tested time and time again by professionals do exist, so that they can offer taste and balance. Our Grace Gin, for example, includes citrus aromas, therefore it is advisable for it not to be mixed into a cocktail containing sweet liqueurs of caramel or chocolate inclinations. It’s a particularly aromatic gin that does require a certain amount of care when mixed. On the other hand, we do seek fun through a creative mood, and, why not, the occasional taste-related pitfall. That’s how new flavours emerge, more or less. Taste it, smell it, stir and discover the mix that suits you,” Lila Dimopoulou replied, leaving the final mixing decision to us.
*Grace Gin may be found in most parts of Greece, at quality bottle shops, selected bars, as well as at most domestic airport duty-free shops. Grace Gin is also exported to Germany, Austria, the UK, Cyprus, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Switzerland, the USA and Australia.
