Cala Kumquat Gin

Cala Kumquat Gin is a Belgian artisan gin created under the Cala Kumquat Spirits name, a project initiated in 2019 by Thierry Verhoeven. The idea behind this spirit is closely linked to the cultivation of organic kumquats in Andalusia by Françoise Heidebroek, whose work provided the aromatic and symbolic cornerstone of the recipe. The gin is produced in collaboration with the Distillerie de Biercée in Belgium, where traditional copper stills are used to distill each botanical separately before the final blend is assembled.

The botanical selection is both classic and unconventional. Juniper berries form the structural base of the gin, while organic kumquats, untreated lemons and untreated oranges provide a vivid citrus imprint that is both bright and slightly bittersweet. Cloves contribute a warm, spicy undertone, balanced by the subtle bitterness and vegetal tones of dried hop cones. Malted barley kernels introduce a soft cereal roundness that nods to Belgian brewing heritage. Cocoa sourced from the Ivory Coast adds a discreet depth in the background, reinforcing the perception of warmth and complexity without dominating the profile.

The distillation process emphasizes precision and respect for each ingredient. By distilling the botanicals individually, the distillery is able to capture the pure aromatic identity of each element. These individual distillates are then carefully blended to achieve a harmonious composition. The final gin is reduced to 40% ABV, a strength chosen to maintain balance while allowing both citrus freshness and spice to express themselves clearly.

On the nose, Cala Kumquat Gin opens with an immediate impression of fresh citrus, led by kumquat and orange zest, supported by lemon peel and a subtle pine note from the juniper. As the gin breathes, gentle hints of clove and vegetal hop notes appear, accompanied by a faint cocoa nuance that adds an earthy dimension.

On the palate, the attack is soft and round, with kumquat and citrus oils coating the tongue. The natural bitterness of the peels brings structure and freshness, while juniper anchors the profile with familiar resinous notes. The mid-palate reveals mild spice from clove and a touch of grainy sweetness from the malted barley, giving the texture a slightly velvety feel. Toward the end, the hop cones and cocoa contribute a delicate herbal and earthy complexity that remains balanced and restrained.

The finish is clean, moderately dry and persistent. Citrus zest and hop bitterness linger alongside a subtle echo of spice and cocoa, leaving a refined and refreshing impression. Cala Kumquat Gin can be enjoyed neat to appreciate the full expression of its botanicals, served with a neutral tonic and a slice of kumquat or orange, or used in cocktails where its citrus heart and gentle bitterness can provide structure and originality.