First Impressions
Nordés takes its name from the Atlantic trade winds that blow eastward onto the coasts of Galicia in northern Spain. The gin is made from locally grown and distilled Albariño grape spirit — the same variety celebrated in Galician white wine — infused with 12 botanicals, six of which are sourced locally from Galicia. The individual maceration of each botanical, ranging from a few hours to an extraordinary one month, demonstrates a patience that few gin producers attempt.
The Distillery
Atlantic Galician Spirits produces Nordés using Albariño grape spirit and 12 botanicals: verbena, laurel, sage, glasswort (samphire), eucalyptus, and mint from Galicia, alongside juniper, cardamom, ginger, hibiscus, liquorice, and tea. Each botanical is macerated individually before distillation — the extended maceration allowing complete flavour extraction from even the most delicate ingredients.
Tasting
The nose is fresh and fruity, with peach and strong floral notes. Potpourri, hard candy, and white pepper create an unusual aromatic profile, with faint piney juniper underneath. The Albariño grape base contributes a fruity gentleness.
On the palate, juniper is more obvious than the nose suggests, alongside floral notes, black tea, lemongrass, and menthol. The gin is smooth and balanced, with gentle grape fruitiness, light citrus, soft herbs, and subtle juniper. The six Galician botanicals — particularly the eucalyptus and samphire — give it a distinctive maritime-herbal character.
The finish sees menthol lingering as the sweet floral fruitiness fades. It is clean, refreshing, and slightly coastal — the Atlantic winds captured in the aftertaste.
How to Drink It
In a G&T with a premium tonic and a slice of green apple — the Galician serve. The grape base also makes it suitable for wine-adjacent cocktails. Excellent in a White Negroni.
The Bottom Line
Nordés earns a 7.5 for pushing gin's boundaries with genuine Galician provenance. The Albariño grape base, the six local botanicals, and the individual month-long maceration create a gin of genuine Atlantic character. The floral, coastal profile is quite unlike any British gin. At around £30, the Spanish production and the extraordinary maceration process represent excellent value. Atlantic winds, bottled in Galicia.
