Gin de Las Californias has been holding a number of different events to further introduce their two gins – Natural and Citric – to the market in Los Cabos. Gin de Las Californias is distilled near Ensenada in northern Baja. Gin is made by distilling a neutral grain alcohol with juniper berries and other botanicals. The botanicals are added to the raw spirit to create the flavor desired. Gin de Las Californias has two different versions – citrus and natural – each with a different set of botanicals grown or sourced in California and the Baja Peninsula. This is the reason for the name Las Californias including both California and Baja California. The Citrus Gin includes California Juniper, grapefruit and lemon peels, almonds, lemon, vine leaves, apricots and figs. The Natural Gin includes California Juniper, aromatic herbs, hops, white sage, seaweed, “Sacred Leaf” (Mexican pepper leaf, root beer plant, and sacred pepper) and damiana. The Natural is slightly higher in alcohol content (42% vs. 40%) than the Citrus Gin. Each of the bottles has a label on the back that shows a map of the Californias, a list of the botanicals and the region from which they come. Gin de Las Californias was launched two years ago in June exclusively in California and the Baja Peninsula.

Recently, they had a special event on the boat, Animalón by the Sea. Animalón by the Sea is a project of the well-known Chef Javier Plascencia. This boat normal cruises while offering its guests a four course dinner plus dessert at sunset in the Sea of Cortez around Land’s End in Cabo San Lucas. The menu is seasonal and focuses on the flavors and lifestyle of the Baja. There is also wine pairing available for each course.

This special event with Gin de Las Californias included media representatives and well as guest from special locations that offer Gin de Las Californias in the bars and restaurants. This event was special as it not only included their Global Brand Ambassador, Joseph Mortera but also the CEO, Ivan Saldana of Casa Lumbre, the company that makes Gin de Las Californias. Dr. Soldana holds a Ph.D. in Biology and uses this knowledge in the creation of the spirits distilled by Casa Lumbre. Until recently, the company’s focus has been on Tequila and Mezcal. Having the opportunity to speak with Ivan, however, it was clear how passionate he is about the history of gins and botanical spirits in the Californias. He gave me a brief history of the hundreds of years of distilling of gin that has gone on in the extended Baja.