Mesano Dry Gin

Mesano Dry Gin by Die Kosmaten from Stuttgart

Mesano Dry Gin by Die Kosmaten is a small-batch gin from Stuttgart, distilled in the Kaiserstuhl region using thirteen botanicals. Juniper leads the way, answered by Sicilian blood orange and fresh mint. It is not a loud, trendy gin, but a well-rounded interplay of fruit, freshness, and spice.

Mesano Dry Gin is a 42% ABV dry gin by Die Kosmaten from Stuttgart, distilled in small batches at a partner distillery in the Kaiserstuhl region. Thirteen botanicals are arranged around the juniper like pieces of a mosaic—which is exactly where the four creators drew their name from.

The turquoise and gold label feels substantial in the hand, featuring an oriental pattern that hints at what is in the glass: an interplay of many small parts. Five of these you will notice immediately, while the other eight work in the background.

Blood orange, mint, and a hint of clove

On the nose, the juniper is clear and resinous, followed by the Sicilian blood orange with its dark, almost berry-like sweetness.

On the palate, the Mesano Dry Gin is surprisingly fresh; lemongrass provides sharpness, mint adds a cool trail, and at the very end, clove settles over it with warmth. Lively, complex, yet rounded—a gin that does not push itself to the forefront, but instead brings harmony to the aromas.

The finish is long-lasting with citrus, accompanied by a subtle note of licorice. This gin does not need water; a single large ice cube is enough to open it up.

In tonic, in a Negroni, or neat over ice

A mild tonic without too much quinine allows the blood orange to shine; serve with a wide zest instead of the obligatory cucumber slice.

The gin excels in classic drinks: in a Negroni, it effortlessly holds its own against Campari and red vermouth, while in a Martini, it remains dry yet fruity. It is particularly delightful on balmy evenings enjoyed neat over a large ice cube, as the mint slowly awakens. For those who want to try both side by side, place the red vermouth from the same brand next to it.

From university to the still

Four friends from Stuttgart—Tim, Fabian, Andranik, and Simon—met during their studies and, after numerous tastings, began developing their own recipe in 2018.

“We can do this too, maybe even better,” was the initial thought, and the four tinkered until the ratio of the thirteen botanicals was perfect. To this day, it is distilled in small batches in the Kaiserstuhl region to ensure each bottling bears the same signature. Between the 12th and 14th centuries, the "Cosmati" were the craftsmen who laid mosaics in Roman churches and palaces, stone by stone.

A fixed portion of every bottle sold is donated to three organizations, including the Green Forest Fund for the preservation of old-growth trees. Well done.

Serving suggestion

For a gin and tonic, use 5 cl of gin to 15 cl of tonic, plenty of ice, and express a wide orange zest over the glass. Stored in a cool, dark place, the gin remains stable for years; once opened, it loses its freshness only slowly. In our gin selection, you will find other German spirits, and the entire Die Kosmaten range can be found on the manufacturer's page. The 500 ml bottle is enough for about ten long drinks.