Maior Gin is a 100% Mallorcan craft gin produced by Bodegas Suau, a spirits company based in Mallorca, Spain. It represents a return to the philosophy used by Bodegas Suau when they produced a totally handmade gin with local products in 1919. It is made using a selection of native botanicals from Mallorca, including juniper, Sóller oranges, rosemary, and the local fig leaf. The production involves four different distillations to preserve the unique components of each botanical. The delicate fig leaf is distilled at a lower temperature to extract its maximum qualities. The use of fig leaf revives a Mallorcan tradition where tea from the leaf was drunk during harvest for healing and recovery. Maior Gin follows a philosophy of “less is more,” seeking perfection with native and quality ingredients, embodying the simplicity of local Mallorcan tradition, and the beauty of simplicity the island represents.
Tasting Notes:
• Aroma: Features a clear, fresh lemon scent with a sense of sweetness in the background. The aroma is described as very smooth.
• Palate: Is extremely smooth with a nice sense of balance between flavors. The herbal qualities are noted as less bitter than many other gins. A prominent lemon flavor and mild sweetness are present throughout. Towards the end of the glass, an earthy flavor with a slight spice kick is noticeable, suspected to come from the fig leaf.
This gin is recommended as a good entry point for those who may not typically enjoy gin or have had negative experiences, as the juniper notes are less prominent or bitter. It shines in its simplicity and is recommended for use in various cocktail recipes. When used in an Army & Navy cocktail, it produced an impressive, smooth, and well-balanced drink with a delicious fruitiness, including a perceived nectarine flavor.
Our distinction lies in our deep-rooted tradition, spanning over 170 years since Captain Suau founded our distillery in 1851. We honour this heritage through dedicated artisanal craftsmanship, employing time-tested methods and carefully selected local ingredients, such as Sóller oranges and fig leaves. Matured in our unique Mallorcan underground cellars, our spirits capture the very soul of Mallorca, offering an authentic taste of the island’s legacy and dedication to quality in every bottle.
The story of Bodegas Suau is a captivating journey spanning over 170 years, rooted in the entrepreneurial spirit of Captain Juan Suau y Bennassar in the first half of the 19th century. Captain Suau commanded his steamship, “El Mallorquín,” across the Atlantic, navigating routes between Mallorca and the Caribbean, particularly Cuba. During this period, he established a distillery in Cuba, focusing on anisados and other Caribbean products, including rum, for which he exported copper stills from Spain. His voyages extended to various ports across the Caribbean, South America, and Europe.
During one of his stops in Mallorca, Captain Suau fell in love with the daughter of a Mallorcan man potentially connected to the liquor business for centuries. To marry her, her parents requested he abandon his seafaring life and overseas ventures so their only descendant would remain close. Captain Suau accepted this condition. In 1851, he sold his ship but not his company, relocating his business to Palma, Mallorca. He brought with him beautiful copper stills and numerous instruments from the liquor industry, now treasured and displayed in the Bodegas Suau museum, opened in 2001 for the 150th anniversary in Mallorca.
The company initially produced traditional Caribbean drinks like rum and anis. Over time, however, it began specializing in the distillation of rum and brandy. The quality of their brandy was particularly well-received. Early brandies included “Madelón,” “Jaime I,” and “1229”. In 1951, commemorating 100 years in Mallorca, they launched the brandy commonly known as “El barquito” (The Little Ship), named after the vessel symbolizing their origins. For a long time, the stars of Bodegas Suau were brandies, rum, and anis, found in old taverns across the American continent.
The distillery’s continuity wasn’t without challenges. During the Spanish Civil War, a purchase of 30 oak barrels from Havana was stranded in Barcelona. The production of Suau brandy continued through the distillation of wine from the Mallorcan town of Felanitx. The company also saw changes in family management and partnerships over the decades.
Despite challenges, Bodegas Suau has maintained its tradition of high-quality spirits. The maturation and aging processes take place in the unique microclimate of their underground cellars, built in the early nineteenth century, providing controlled temperature, humidity, and air circulation year-round. This environment imparts a distinct quality to their aging spirits.
With the turn of the century, Bodegas Suau updated its image with more modern packaging, while still featuring the ship symbol representing its origins. They also expanded their offerings to appeal to a younger audience, introducing a new gin based on old recipes, maintaining their commitment to high-quality distillation.
Today, Bodegas Suau remains a family-run, artisanal company with over 170 years of history and tradition, located in a historic building over 200 years old. They produce a range of spirits including brandies (like Suau 15, 25, 50, Madelon, and S’Or), Ron Jungla, Maior Gin, and Suau Orange. Their products are now sold in 25 countries, with significant markets in China, Germany, and the United States. In Mallorcan taverns, their brandy is so popular it’s often requested simply as “a Suau”. This demonstrates their enduring local significance while embracing a global reach. Bodegas Suau embodies the beauty of simplicity and the spirit of Mallorca in every bottle.