In the heart of Greece’s untamed landscapes, where wild herbs flourish under the Mediterranean sun, a unique gin was born—Stray Dog Wild Gin. This spirit captures the essence of Greece, blending tradition, innovation, and a commitment to animal welfare.
The inception of Stray Dog Wild Gin traces back to 2017 when Johnny Livanos, a second-generation Greek-American and member of the renowned Livanos restaurant family, embarked on a journey through Greece’s vineyards. While sipping tsipouro, a traditional Greek spirit, he infused it with wild herbs like rosemary and sage picked from the surrounding countryside. The resulting flavor was a revelation, inspiring him to create a gin that encapsulates the wild beauty of Greece .
Stray Dog Wild Gin is meticulously handcrafted in small batches using traditional copper pot stills in the mountains of northern Greece. The gin’s unique flavor profile is derived from a blend of wild-foraged botanicals, including: Wild Mountain Sage (Faskomilo), Rosemary, Bay Leaf (Daphne), Fennel Seed, Cardamom, Coriander, Juniper Berries, Mastiha (Resin from the Mastic Tree), Lemon and Orange Peel. These ingredients are macerated and distilled with pristine spring water from the Aridea Mountains, resulting in a gin that is both savory and citrus-forward, embodying the flavors of Greek cuisine .
What sets Stray Dog Wild Gin apart is its commitment to capturing the terroir of Greece. The use of local, wild botanicals imparts a flavor that is unmistakably Mediterranean. The inclusion of mastiha adds a subtle piney finish, while the combination of herbs and citrus creates a complex, savory profile that stands out in both classic and modern cocktails .
Accolades and Recognition:
Since its launch in 2020, Stray Dog Wild Gin has garnered significant acclaim:
- Double Gold Medal at the 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition
- Gold Medal and Best Greek Gin at the 2020 New York International Spirits Competition
These awards underscore the gin’s exceptional quality and its successful embodiment of Greek flavors.
The name “Stray Dog” holds a special significance. During his inspirational hike in Crete, Livanos was accompanied by a stray dog, symbolizing the wild and free spirit he aimed to capture in his gin. In honor of this, a portion of the proceeds from each bottle sold is donated to organizations in Greece that provide care and homes for stray animals, such as Save a Greek Stray .
Stray Dog Wild Gin is more than just a spirit; it’s a tribute to Greece’s rich natural heritage and a testament to the possibilities that arise when tradition meets innovation. With its unique blend of wild botanicals and commitment to social responsibility, it offers a taste of Greece that is both authentic and refreshingly new.
You can order your bottle of Stray Dog Wild Gin right here on Greekazon.com.