Infusion Workshop: Calabrian distillation art and scents

“Officina degli Infusi” by name and by fact. If you are looking for a true distillate born from the tradition handed down by great distillers, but with a youthful and modern allure, then you must know Officina degli Infusi and Ginberg, the flagship of the company. But let's take it step by step: how was Officina degli Infusi born, and why this name?

It is a very young company born in Calabria, in Vibo Valentia, at the beginning of 2020, from the passion of a group of young people for good drinking. The mission of these guys, from the very beginning, has been to create something authentic, unique, and unmistakable, borrowing heavily from the techniques and tricks of the tradition of great distillers, who have passed down unbeatable recipes and processing methods that to this day remain the main reference point for distillation, which we could define as a true art.

The name of the company was chosen with great care and attention and has a very precise meaning, capable of conveying the principles that, for the company, are the cornerstones guiding its operation. First of all, the term "officina" encompasses the entire legacy of tradition, an indispensable starting point, as it used to identify the artisan workshop where the work was done.
The term "infusi", on the other hand, refers to the method used for the artisanal production of the products, such as gin. Unsurprisingly, the first product of Officina degli Infusi is Ginberg, an aromatic and delicious artisanal gin. But before we get to know this product, let's explore the world of gin and distillation, what do you say?

Focus: gin and its production

Gin is a distillate made from fermented cereal mash, such as wheat and barley, which is flavored with spices and various herbs: in the case of Ginberg, the prevailing notes are those of Calabrian bergamot, but it is possible to find various distillates where different notes take center stage, such as juniper, the undisputed star of gin, as well as spices, flowers, or berries. These ingredients, specially chosen by the distiller according to his recipe, are called botanicals. The history of gin has its roots in ancient monasteries: it was the monks who conducted the first distillation experiments in an attempt to create a therapeutic oil with juniper. It was only in the 17th century, however, that the first distillate of alcohol and botanicals, named Genever, was obtained, which immediately achieved immense success, growing exponentially in fame and popularity. Clearly, over the centuries, gin and its production have changed considerably, improving and refining the technique. Initially, a first distillation was made with the cereals, followed by a second distillation in which the "vapors" were filtered through baskets containing various botanicals.

Today, however, the botanicals are allowed to macerate directly in the alcohol, even before the second distillation, thus obtaining a more flavorful drink. A period of distillation follows, typically in copper stills, which may sometimes be preceded by a maturation phase in wooden barrels, if provided for in the master distiller's recipe. The result is a very aromatic and pungent distillate, resinous, where the aroma of the botanicals comes through later, rounding out the strength of the gin.

As mentioned, not all gins are the same: the taste can vary based on the botanicals chosen by the producer, which is why not all gins will have the same flavor. To guide you, you just need to get to know the herbs and spices used, so you can understand and "steal" the secret of the master distiller. So, let’s take a peek at the botanical mix offered by Officina degli Infusi. What will Ginberg contain?

Ginberg, a true ode to the scents of Calabria

Ginberg is a craft gin produced with authentic Calabrian bergamot, fresh and intense, to which it owes its name, and carefully selected medicinal herbs. An all-Italian gin made with 100% Made in Calabria raw materials. The authentic Calabrian bergamot and meticulously hand-picked local medicinal herbs allow for the creation of a gin rich in aromas. The alcohol used for distillation is 96.5% Vol, but then it is cut with spring water that flows at almost 2000m altitude, thus lowering the alcohol content of Ginberg to 43% Vol.

The scent is complex, with predominant notes of bergamot but also herbaceous and spicy notes. On the palate, it is rich and intense, very savory and fresh, leaving a slightly bitter aftertaste that makes it authentic and unique. It is a Unfiltered Cold Compound Gin, therefore prepared from a base of smooth grain alcohol to which the various botanicals are added cold. This is a technique dating back to the prohibition era, during which the so-called "bathtub gin" was made following this type of procedure. This way, there is a greater release of essential oils and thus the aroma of the various botanicals present. Moreover, it is not filtered to retain the natural color from the macerating botanicals.
The botanicals of Ginberg are juniper, Calabrian bergamot, cardamom, chamomile, coriander, rosemary, ginger, licorice, and timut pepper. In short, a nice mix of Italian and exotic aromas.

But how can you consume Ginberg? Let’s see some suggestions for its consumption and some recipes for super cool cocktails.

Ginberg, how to taste it at its best

Ginberg is a truly versatile gin, ideal for preparing classics like negroni, martini cocktail, etc., but especially for Indian Tonic Premium, a truly delicious gin & tonic for its great aroma and aromatic complexity.
To prepare it, you will need 150ml of Fever-Tree Premium Indian Tonic Water, a tonic water that is ideal for enhancing this type of gin, 50ml of Ginberg, plenty of large ice cubes, and a twist of lime. Serve your Gin & Tonic in a large round wine glass, adding the ice in large amounts first, so it doesn’t melt immediately and dilute the cocktail, and then pour a measure of gin and three measures of tonic water. Finally, add the lime twists and serve immediately, categorically without a straw. And there you have it, a delicious and perfect drink for summer.

If you want to enjoy all the scents and aromas of Ginberg and learn about the traditional techniques and values of Officina degli Infusi, then come take a look at our portal. You won't regret it!