Soli Gin Cyprus Verified listing

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.

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!

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!