Soli Gin
Who we are
THE BEGINNING
The journey to producing our small batch gin made here in Cyprus began with two dogs and a friendship spanning over 40 years.
Not to mention a shared passion for the perfect gin, tonic, negroni, dry martini, and the occasional cheeky white lady!
WE ARE PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THAT WE ARE CREATING AN OUTSTANDING SMALL BATCH DISTILLED GIN THAT IGNITES THE NATURAL FLAVOURS AND THE ESSENCE OF CYPRUS.
Tim and Ron met over 40 years ago in Qatar. Both are known for their various entrepreneurial endeavours in the Middle and the Far East.
Tim and his wife Marion (the co-owner of a successful property styling business) have long-standing relationships with Cyprus. Finally, setting up a home here nine years ago. Ron and his wife, Julie, are more nomadic. They balance businesses and homes in both the UAE and Cyprus.
Whilst walking two typically mad and energetic Cyprus hounds through the Akamas on a slightly damp autumn afternoon, metaphorical lightning struck the intrepid dog walkers. In front of them, they found they were surrounded by trees redolent with Juniper berries. The essential botanical gives all gin its distinctive flavour and aroma. And the seed of an idea was planted.
MAYBE THEY COULD PRODUCE THEIR OWN GIN HERE IN CYPRUS CHAMPIONING LOCAL BOTANICALS! THE IDEA FURTHER DEVELOPED OVER AN EARLY EVENING G&T (NATURALLY).
They discussed the possibility whilst sitting in Ron’s garden and contemplated the abundance of other botanicals available close to hand. Rosemary, Pink Peppercorns, Terabinth, and Hibiscus, to name a few.
Research and development began. Both Tim and Ron went on a gin-making course. Here they gained knowledge about botanicals, how to use them in the distillation process, and the effect they had on the quality and taste of the gin.
Much research was conducted, and the partners sampled as many small batches and craft gins as possible! A small tabletop copper still was purchased. And local botanicals foraged from gardens, orchards, and the Akamas. Even more obscure herbs and spices were found at The Spice House in Peristerona.
The alchemy began in Cyprus on a beautiful Saturday morning in a kitchen in Neo Chorio!
THE BOTTLE
The bottles were inspired by Ancient Greek amphora.
The Octopus on our label is from Minoan pottery paintings.
The colour of the bottles signifies the stunning Mediterranean sea and sky.
Different quantities and types of botanicals were introduced to the distillation process. Ongoing tasting at each stage in what was a surprisingly short period had produced a small batch of gin with which we were happy.
It had some distinct botanical and citrus notes that soaked well with tonic. Excited and enthusiastic by this little success, the next question was how and if the gin could be produced on a commercial scale.
The creativity and ingenuity of our long-term entrepreneurs were brought into play. Tim took over the lion’s share of the project management as Ron returned to the UAE. After much brainstorming and many meetings, the Kamanterna winery (formerly SODAP) agreed to dedicate a still for the production of the gin.
The team from SODAP, Stefanos and Lukas were invaluable at this stage of the process. Continually sharing their expertise on balancing alcoholic volume, aroma and taste.
And, helping to increase the number of botanicals needed for more significant production. Working closely with Tim and Ron, ensuring the gin retained the integrity of their original kitchen distillation in its more commercial form.
Testing and tasting were critical at this stage, and we really do need to thank many of our friends who were handed samples and who provided constructive feedback.
Peter, an expert small-batch gin distiller from Norwich (Tim’s hometown), was invited to come and taste the gin. His critique and advice on the final product is something of which we are very proud. A gin with hints of the flavours enjoyed in Mediterranean perfect for a summer sundowner in Cyprus!
Our Team at Soli Gin, Cyprus
Marion & Emma
The Team
Tim and his wife Marion (the co-owner of a successful property styling business) Have long-standing relationships with Cyprus.
Finally, setting up a home here nine years ago. Ancient Greek amphora is our inspiration for the Soli Gin bottles. The Octopus on our label is from historical Minoan amphora pottery paintings, and the colour of the bottles signifies the stunning Mediterranean Sea and sky. All beautifully pulled together by our talented graphic designer, Emma.
Mandalena
Sales & Marketing
Hi, I'm Mandalena. One day whilst looking for a new challenge, I saw a position at Soli Gin that fitted the description, and they were willing to offer something that worked around my personal & family life.
I applied immediately, and we had our first informal interview in a local coffee shop. A new, exciting company headed by three fantastic businessmen with very different characters, each bringing something different to the table. I felt like I had known them all for years, and I was the missing piece; I knew I wanted to be involved immediately. They called me for another interview, and I was offered the job. I didn’t hesitate for a second, it was just what I wanted, and I loved the idea of being part of something new and exciting. I came on board just before our first product launched and have since been part of the daily journey. It is great to be part of something extraordinary and deliver products you believe to be the best. People often comment that sales come naturally to me, but our products sell themselves; I merely state the facts. The journey so far, whilst difficult throughout Covid, has been incredible, and I’m looking forward to the year ahead and more great success. I think I speak for the whole team when I say, "SOLI is our baby", and we will continue nurturing it for many years to come.
Steve
Financial Controller
About 4 years ago, whilst relaxing at night and looking at Social Media, my interest was piqued by an advert for a Financial Controller for a Start-Up Co. I applied, met Tim and Ron, and we hit it off so much that I also invested in the Company.
Despite the setbacks we have faced, with the Red Tape and the Pandemic, we formed the Company and went from Strength to Strength with a small team. We are looking at expanding our range of products and availability across the Island and beyond shortly.
Julie
The Team
Julie and her husband, Ron, are nomadic.
They are balancing businesses and homes in both the UAE and Cyprus.
Ron
Founder
Ron and his wife, Julie, are more nomadic. They are balancing businesses and homes in both the UAE and Cyprus.
Whilst walking two typically mad and energetic Cyprus hounds through the Akamas on a slightly damp autumn afternoon, metaphorical lightning stuck the intrepid dog walkers. In front of them, they found they were surrounded by trees redolent with Juniper berries. This essential botanical gives our gin its distinctive flavour and aroma. And the seed of an idea was planted.