Nordes Gin UK: The Ultimate Guide to Spain's Premium Atlantic Gin

If you've been wondering what all the fuss is about with Spanish gin, let me introduce you to Nordés – the Atlantic gin that's been quietly conquering British palates and bar carts across the UK. This isn't just another gin trying to ride the craft spirits wave; it's a genuinely unique bottle that brings something completely different to the table.

What Makes Nordés So Special?

Here's where things get interesting. While most gins start with a grain-based neutral spirit, Nordés takes a completely different approach. They use Albariño grape pomace as their base – that's the leftover skins, seeds, and stems from making Albariño wine, one of Spain's most celebrated white wines.

This grape foundation gives Nordés a character that's miles away from your typical London Dry. Instead of that sharp, juniper-forward bite you might expect, you get something smoother, more rounded, and frankly more approachable. It's like the difference between a crisp white wine and a vodka – same alcohol family, completely different personality.

The Story Behind the Bottle

Nordés comes from Galicia, the green corner of northwestern Spain where the Atlantic crashes against dramatic coastlines. The name literally means "north winds" – those fresh Atlantic breezes that define the region's character. The folks at Nordés weren't just being poetic when they chose this name; they genuinely wanted to capture that fresh, maritime essence in liquid form.

Galicia has always done things its own way. It's got Celtic influences, its own language, and a fierce independent streak. Nordés embodies all of that – it's "Galicia in a bottle," as they like to say. When you're sipping this gin, you're getting a taste of a region that's been making exceptional spirits and wines for centuries, just not necessarily shouting about it to the rest of the world.

The Botanical Lineup

The botanicals in Nordés read like a Mediterranean herb garden wish list. Obviously, there's juniper – it wouldn't be gin without it – but that's where the similarities to traditional gin end.

The real stars here are:

• Ginger for that gentle warmth and spice
• Hibiscus adding floral notes and a subtle tartness
• Liquorice providing sweetness and depth
• Verbena for citrusy brightness
• Laurel bringing fresh, aromatic complexity
• Sage adding earthy, herbal mellowness

What's brilliant about this combination is how well it plays with that grape base. The botanicals don't fight for attention; they complement each other and the underlying fruit character beautifully.

Tasting Notes: What to Expect

When you first nose Nordés, you'll notice it's nothing like the pine-forward assault of a classic gin. Instead, you get herbal aromas with hints of white fruit – think green apples and pears rather than citrus. There's a freshness there that's genuinely refreshing, not just marketing speak.

On the palate, it's remarkably balanced. The liquorice comes through quite prominently (some people describe it as almost bubble gum-like), but it's not overpowering. The ginger adds a gentle warmth, while the hibiscus provides a subtle tartness that keeps everything lively. The finish is clean and relatively long, with those herbal notes lingering pleasantly.

Here's the thing – this gin is a bit polarizing, and that's actually a good thing. If you're expecting a traditional gin experience, you might be thrown off initially. But if you approach it with an open mind, you'll discover something genuinely unique that stands apart from the crowded gin market.

Why Nordés Is Taking Off in the UK

The UK gin market is absolutely massive – we're talking about a country that practically invented gin appreciation. So why is a Spanish gin making waves here?

First, British drinkers have become incredibly sophisticated about spirits. The craft gin boom has educated palates, and people are actively seeking out interesting, distinctive bottles rather than just reaching for whatever's familiar.

Second, Nordés arrived at the perfect time. Premium spirits are having a moment, and consumers are willing to pay £35+ for a bottle that offers something genuinely different. Nordés isn't trying to be cheaper than Hendrick's or Tanqueray; it's positioning itself as a premium alternative with a unique story.

The brand has also been smart about distribution. They partnered with Craftwork for UK distribution and have been doing pop-up bars and tastings to build awareness organically. It's not about massive advertising spend; it's about getting the gin into people's mouths so they can taste the difference.

How to Serve Nordés

This is where Nordés really shines – its versatility. The grape base and balanced botanical profile make it work beautifully in ways that might surprise you.

The Classic G&T: Pair it with a light, elderflower tonic (Fever-Tree Light Elderflower gets frequent recommendations). The elderflower complements those herbal notes perfectly without overwhelming the gin's unique character. Add a slice of green apple or a sprig of fresh rosemary for garnish.

Neat or On the Rocks: Unlike many gins, Nordés actually works well served neat or over ice. That smooth grape base makes it sippable in a way that most gins simply aren't. Try it as an aperitif – it's got enough complexity to hold your attention.

In Cocktails: The herbal profile makes Nordés brilliant in cocktails that call for complexity. Try it in a Negroni (the liquorice notes play beautifully with Campari) or a Martinez. It also works surprisingly well in more modern cocktails where you want depth without the typical gin sharpness.

Food Pairings That Actually Work

Here's something most gin guides don't cover – what to eat with your gin. Nordés' unique profile makes it surprisingly food-friendly.

Seafood: This is obvious given the Atlantic connection, but Nordés pairs brilliantly with oysters, grilled prawns, or white fish. The herbal notes complement rather than compete with delicate seafood flavors.

Spanish Tapas: Naturally, this works wonderfully with Spanish small plates. Think jamón ibérico, manchego cheese, or marcona almonds. The gin's complexity holds up to bold flavors without being overpowering.

Fresh Salads: Those herbal botanicals make Nordés a natural with green salads, especially ones with herbs like basil or sage. Try it with a simple rocket and parmesan salad.

The Price Point and Where to Find It

At around £36-37 for a 70cl bottle, Nordés sits firmly in the premium gin category. That's more expensive than your everyday gin, but considering the unique production method and imported nature, it's actually quite reasonable for what you're getting.

You'll find it at specialist wine and spirit retailers across the UK, including The Whisky Exchange and other premium bottle shops. Many high-end bars and restaurants are also stocking it, particularly those with strong Spanish wine lists or a focus on unique spirits.

Online ordering is straightforward, with most retailers offering standard delivery for around £5 or express options for a bit more. It's worth checking multiple retailers as prices can vary slightly.

The Verdict

Nordés isn't trying to be all things to all people, and that's exactly why it works. If you're happy with your current gin and aren't interested in exploring something genuinely different, you can probably skip this one. But if you're curious about what Spanish distillers can do when they put their minds to it, Nordés is absolutely worth trying.

It's a gin with a clear point of view – fresh, herbal, approachable, and distinctly Spanish. The grape base gives it a character you simply won't find in traditional gins, and the botanical selection creates something that's both familiar enough to be recognizably gin and different enough to be genuinely interesting.

Whether you're building a home bar that goes beyond the basics or looking for something special to serve guests who think they know gin, Nordés delivers something memorable. Just don't expect it to taste like every other gin on the shelf – that's precisely the point.