Ginepraio is one of those names that rewards a moment's attention. Derived from the Italian for a thorny, tangled thicket of juniper, it signals intent before you've even cracked the seal. This is a dry gin that wears its juniper heritage on its sleeve, and at 45% ABV, it arrives with enough backbone to make that statement count.
A London Dry With Mediterranean Poise
Classified as a London Dry, Ginepraio plays within one of the most crowded — and most demanding — categories in the spirits world. The designation itself is a promise: juniper-forward, no artificial additions post-distillation, and a clean production method that leaves nowhere to hide. At this price point, sitting around the €46.50 mark, it positions itself firmly in the premium tier, competing with established Mediterranean gins that have carved out loyal followings among bartenders and collectors alike.
What interests me about Ginepraio is the brand's evident commitment to the raw material that gives it its name. The Italian gin scene has matured considerably in recent years, moving well beyond novelty into genuine craft, and expressions like this one represent that evolution. The 45% ABV is a smart choice — enough strength to carry botanical complexity through a mixed serve without tipping into the navy-strength territory that can overwhelm a Negroni.
I'd place this at 7.8 out of 10. It's a well-constructed gin that respects the London Dry framework while carrying a distinctly Southern European sensibility. It lacks the wildcard factor that might push it higher, but what it does, it does with confidence and clarity.
Best Served
This is a gin that bartenders will instinctively reach for when building a classic Negroni or a Mediterranean-style G&T with a rosemary sprig and a twist of grapefruit. At 45%, it has the structural integrity to hold its own against Campari or a robust tonic. Commercially, that versatility is its greatest asset.
