Menorca: The Hidden Gem of the Balearic Islands
In the heart of the Mediterranean, far from the frenzy of Ibiza and the glamour of Mallorca, lies Menorca — an island that has chosen to preserve its own soul. Recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Menorca enchants with white sand coves, crystal-clear waters ranging from turquoise to deep blue, and an interior dotted with prehistoric landmarks. But Menorca is not just unspoiled nature: it is also culture, tradition and authentic flavours that tell centuries of history.
Its capital, Mahón (Maó in Catalan), is a port city of understated charm. Its harbour is considered one of the largest and most sheltered in the Mediterranean, and its cobbled streets conceal architectural gems and aromas that come straight from local kitchens and cellars. It is right here, in the beating heart of Mahón, that one of the most authentic experiences the island has to offer can be found: the Xoriguer distillery tour.
The Xoriguer Distillery: A Mahón Institution
To talk about Menorca Gin is to talk about Xoriguer — a brand that is not just a product, but an integral part of the island’s identity. The history of this gin goes back to the 18th century, when British rule over Menorca brought gin culture to the island. Since then, the Xoriguer distillery has kept traditional techniques alive, still producing its celebrated gin entirely by hand and in small batches, with an artisanal care you can taste in every sip.
Visiting the Xoriguer distillery is not a simple tour of a production facility: it is a journey through time, an immersion into the history and identity of Mahón, inside a historic building that bears the traces of generations of master distillers.
The Guided Tour: What to Expect
An Authentic Behind-the-Scenes Experience
The Xoriguer distillery tour takes you literally behind the scenes of the production of the Balearic Islands’ most famous gin. With an expert and passionate guide — as numerous visitors highlight in their reviews — you will explore every corner of the distillery, uncovering the secrets of a production process that blends ancient and modern methods.
You will learn how juniper is selected and how the artisan gin is distilled, bottled, labelled, sealed and distributed, all by hand. You will get to meet the workers themselves, men and women who passionately carry on a centuries-old tradition — and that passion, visitors confirm, is immediately palpable.
History and Anecdotes: More Than Just Production
This is not a cold, technical visit. The guided explanation — lasting approximately 40 minutes — weaves together the history of the distillery with that of the neighbourhood and the entire city of Mahón. The guide shares personal anecdotes and curiosities that make every visit unique and memorable.
The Tasting: The Most Anticipated Moment
After the explanation comes the part every visitor describes as the highlight: the free-time tasting session. You will savour Xoriguer gin accompanied by authentic local food — sausages, cheeses and Menorcan sweets — letting the flavours of the island blend into a complete sensory experience. A moment of pure pleasure, unhurried, to carry the taste of Menorca with you long after the tour ends.
The tour includes a full guided visit of the distillery, a tasting of gin, liqueurs and typical Menorcan products and personalised tips from the guide. The entrance price is just €15 per person, with the option to book now and pay later. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your chosen date, for completely flexible and stress-free planning.
Book Your Spot — Before It Sells Out!
This tour sells out often — and it’s no wonder. With groups limited to just 10 participants, each session offers an intimate and personal experience that mass-market attractions simply cannot match.
Don’t let Menorca slip through your fingers without tasting its history.
Conclusion: Take a Piece of Menorca Home with You
Every journey has those moments that stay etched in the memory — not for their grandeur, but for their authenticity. The Xoriguer distillery tour is one of those moments. It is the scent of juniper in the warm Mahón air, it is the passionate voice of a guide recounting century-old machinery, it is the taste of a local cheese pairing perfectly with artisan gin in the glass.
Cheers, and welcome to the island.