Said to be Latin America’s first premium gin, Principe de los Apostoles Mate is made in Mendoza, Argentina and uses the local yerba mate as one of the botanicals, along with the more commonly seen juniper, peppermint, eucalyptus and pink grapefruit skin. The signature serve is with a dash of Cynar, tonic water and a sprig of eucalyptus. This unusual and appealing gin is made with yerba mate tea (“the most Argentinean drink of all,” the producer says) and dials back traditional juniper in favor of sprightly eucalyptus and peppermint. It’s a warmer expression of gin, with a supersweet, cocoa-like aroma and flavor and velvety feel on the palate.
Named after the town of Apóstoles founded by Jesuits that was originally called Príncipe de los apóstoles – in Argentina. Although the main ingredients besides juniper berries – peppermint, eucalyptus, pink grapefruit skin and the aforementioned yerba mate – that go into making Príncipe de los apóstoles come from the province of Misiones, Giovannoni’s gin is in fact made at a small distillery in Mendoza. And he is ruthless with his botanicals as only the finest ingredients make the final cut. For example, the yerba mate Giovannoni uses comes from a native Indian plantation, from trees that are more than 100 years old. And the infused distillation has resulted in Latin America’s only top-end gin. Aromas of tropical citrus and melon, herb bread and delicate spices with supple dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body with a nice juniper, anise seed, mint and white pepper snap.
