There are gins that whisper of their origins, and then there are those that announce them with unmistakable conviction. Principe de los Apostoles Mate Gin belongs firmly in the latter camp — a spirit that wears its identity in its very name, placing yerba mate front and centre in a way that feels both bold and entirely natural.
A Gin Built on Ritual
Mate is more than a botanical here; it is a cultural declaration. The tradition of sharing mate — that communal, meditative act of passing the gourd — is woven into the character of this gin. At 40.5% ABV, it sits at a comfortable strength that allows the distinctive herbaceous quality suggested by its namesake ingredient to express itself without overwhelming the juniper backbone expected of a London Dry classification.
What strikes me about Principe de los Apostoles is its ambition. Priced at £34.50, it occupies a competitive space where provenance and personality must do the heavy lifting. The gin delivers on personality in abundance — this is not a spirit content to blend quietly into the background of a mixed drink. It demands attention and rewards curiosity.
I would have liked more transparency around the full botanical bill and distillery details, which keeps this from scoring higher. A gin this distinctive deserves a fully told story. Still, at 7.5 out of 10, it earns its place as a genuinely intriguing addition to any collection — a spirit that bridges continents and drinking traditions with real conviction.
Best served on a slow afternoon, long with premium tonic and plenty of ice, garnished with fresh mint or a sprig of something green and herbaceous — the kind of drink that invites unhurried conversation.
