Engine Gin is a dry gin masterfully hand-crafted by distillers in Italy’s Atla Langa region. It is produced and packaged in small batches at Torino Distillati, a Piedmontese distillery founded in 1906. Produced in a region well-known for its liquor-making traditions, Engine Gin promises a one-of-a-kind sipping experience.
As the name indicates, Engine Gin is inspired by the golden era of motorsports. Its bold, fuel-can-shaped packaging and unique flavor profile reflect this theme. The drink’s branding idea is founded by Paolo Dalla Mora, a marketing executive with a passion for unconventional projects.
Engine’s rugged branding elements contrast sharply with the fine-quality, organic contents of the product. Paolo Dalla Mora explains that this juxtaposition is intended to intrigue customers and leave a lasting impression. With hints of sage and lemon, Engine Gin reflects a classic Italian heritage through its flavor profile.
This article expands on Engine Gin’s history, offering a glimpse into its unique product development and commercial success. Read on for tips on where to find Engine Gin and how to best enjoy it.
Engine Gin: An Introduction
Engine Gin is a London dry gin produced in one of Italy’s finest Piedmontese distilleries. It is distilled in small batches using a blend of carefully curated organic ingredients. On the shelves, Engine Gin is tough to miss due to its brightly colored packaging and fuel-can-shaped container.
Engine Gin’s flavor profile pays homage to traditional Italian digestifs, popular herbal liqueurs often enjoyed as after-dinner drinks. Initial flavors are juniper-heavy, followed by a touch of lemon and sage. The composition evolves into a medley of herb and licorice, adding a slight sweetness and balancing the bitter sage notes.
In terms of appearance, Engine Gin has a clear appearance, exhibiting a reflective brilliance. The nose opens with a bright burst of lemon, mellowed by sage and elderflower. The aroma also has undertones of licorice, complementing the citrus and herbal notes.
A modern twist on the Italian heritage of lemon and sage rosolios, Engine Gin is an artisanal product.
What is the Alcohol Content of Engine Gin?
The alcoholic content of Engine Gin is fairly high. It contains 42 percent alcohol by volume (ABV), aligning with the strength found in most gin varieties. The limited edition Engine Caroni maintains the same alcoholic strength at 42 percent ABV.
You will also find a tonic variant with a lower alcohol content. Engine Gin and Tonic contains 17.5 percent ABV, making it a light, refreshing option for casual settings.
What is the History of Engine Gin?
A brainchild of entrepreneur Paolo Dalla Mora, Engine Gin was launched in 2019 to the Italian market. The idea was born in 2017 while Dalla Mora sat in his garage working on his bike and nursing a traditional Langan digestive. The beverage was a mixture of sage leaves and lemon peels in hot water. In a moment of inspiration, Dalla Mora realized that the formula could be defined and made into a unique spirit. Lo and behold, project Garage was conceived, bringing together a passion for motorsports and spirits.
The formulation of the spirit drink draws from the Piedmontese tradition of sage and lemon-based rosolios and liqueurs. The brand prides itself on a ‘Made in Italy’ philosophy, paying homage to the country of origin. All ingredients in the blend are organic and sourced with purpose.
Engine gin’s branding choices have awarded it several moments in the spotlight. The distinctive colors and the motorsports-inspired aesthetics stand in sharp contrast with the classic Italian contents of the drink. Paolla Dalla Mora identifies this as a rhetorical device, helping the brand gain recognition and stand out on the shelves.
Initially, Engine Gin was launched exclusively in Italy, testing the waters in the local market. After five subsequent launch attempts, the drink became an international success and is now sold in 15 more markets.
Where Is Engine Gin From?
Developed in a garage in Barbaresco, the idea of Engine Gin was conceived in 2017. Two years later, distillation began in Torino Distillati, a renowned distillery in the Atla Langa region.
The spirit drink is hand-distilled in small batches and distributed all over the world from its place of origin.
When Was Engine Gin Created?
The idea for a sage-focused spirit drink inspired by motorsports was first envisioned in 2017, and it was titled the ‘Garage’ project.
Paolo Dalla Mora worked on the project in Italy, blending ingredients from different parts of the country into a unique concoction. In 2019, Engine Gin made its debut in the Italian market.
What Types of Engine Gin Are There?
Engine Gin has a single variant, unchanged from its original formulation at launch. The composition consists of sage, lemon, damask rose, licorice root, and juniper berries. By maintaining the classic blend, Engine Gin reinforces its Italian heritage.
So far, the brand has launched two extensions to the classic Engine Gin line. Both Engine Gin Tonic and Engine Caroni are faithful recreations of the standard version.
Engine Gin
Engine gin is most popular for its spirit drink, which is packaged in an iconic fuel-shaped container. The standard version has remained unchanged in composition and design since its launch in 2019.
Dalla Mora, the creative vision behind Engine, maintains that the brand will retain the classic sage composition when expanding its product line.
Engine Gin and Tonic
In 2022, the Engine Gin and Tonic was launched, a ready-made drink prepared with the same botanical ingredients used in the standard version. This variant is available in a 237 ml can and has an alcohol content of 17.5% by volume.
Engine Caroni
Another extension to the Engine Gin line was piloted in 2023, a limited edition product called Engine Caroni. This version combines the Carribean heritage of rum-making with Italy’s time-honored liquor distilling methods while packaged in a sleek glass bottle.
The process involves cask aging the standard Engine Gin in barrels of Caroni rum, adding a sophisticated warmth to the classic aroma and taste.
Due to the exclusivity of its supply chain and the complexity of the drink, Engine Caroni is a premium product.
What Ingredients Are in Engine Gin
Engine Gin takes pride in its thoughtful sourcing process, obtaining organic botanicals to craft the drink. Ingredients are obtained exclusively from Italy, each being the finest offering from its respective region.
Paolo Dalla Mora describes the recipe as a journey from north to south, encapsulating the essence of Italian heritage in a package. Engine Gin contains sage harvested from Piedmont, lemons from Sicily, juniper from Tuscany, and spring water from the majestic Alps. Other flavors include licorice root, damask rose, and essential oils.
The spirit is crafted in an intricate two-step process. Step one involves infusing the botanicals and essential oils in wheat-neutral alcohol for 30 days. In the next step, the infusions are distilled in a John Dore copper still and allowed to rest for an additional 30 days.
How Much Does Engine Gin Usually Cost?
Depending on the retailer, you can expect to pay between $29.99 and $40.99 for the standard 750 ml Engine Gin. This places the drink in the mid-category for premium gins, making it a high-quality product at a competitive price.
The tonic version of Engine Gin, known as Engine Gin and Tonic, comes in a 237 ml can and is priced at an affordable $4. This is a convenient ready-to-drink option.
Engine Caroni, a limited edition variant, is a premium addition to the product line and is priced accordingly. It is stocked selectively and ranges between $85 to $95 for 700 ml.
For servings at restaurants or bars, it may help to consult locally to confirm prices.
What Is the Best Way to Enjoy Engine Gin?
Engine gin is a spirit designed for versatility and can be enjoyed in several ways. Taken neat or on the rocks, it offers a light, refreshing drinking experience. To enjoy the spirit’s sophisticated botanicals, you can combine it with tonic water to create a mixer drink. Garnish with a lemon wedge to enhance crispness and aroma.
The premium spirit can be substituted into any gin cocktail recipe. Its balanced yet distinctive flavor profile offers lots of room for experimentation. Use in a classic Italian Negroni and garnish with orange zest or sage leaf to bring out Engine Gin’s herbal aromatics.
To delight your palate, pair Engine Gin with salads, cheese, or fresh seafood.
How to Choose a Good Engine Gin
Engine Gin departs from other classic London Dry Gins due to its unique flavor profile. Initial sampling of the spirit reveals a complex profile with the potential to suit a range of preferences.
Upon entry, the gin delivers a mild, earthy mouthfeel, complimented by a sweet, citrusy nose. This tempers the fiery character and creates a smooth finish, making Engine Gin ideal for those who appreciate modern classics.
Where Can You Find Engine Gin?
Engine Gin is found in 15 markets internationally, including Italy, France, Spain, Switzerland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Canada, the UK, the US, and Greece. Its biggest markets are Italy, the UK, and the US.
Typically, Engine Gin is found at major retail stores and liquor shops. It is also popularly stocked at online retailers and specialty liquor stores. You may also find the drink at certain restaurants, but it is best to consult local sources for accurate information.
Engine Gin FAQs
Due to its bold and decisive marketing, Engine Gin is a product surrounded by intrigue and speculation. For answers to commonly asked questions about Engine Gin, read through our answers ahead.
Where Is Engine Gin Made?
Engine gin is distilled and packaged in Italy. Even though the product has expanded internationally into 15 markets, it is carefully crafted and distributed from Atla Langa’s Torino Distillati.
What Does Engine Gin Taste Like?
Engine gin has a distinctive flavor that complements its out-of-the-box branding elements. The flavor profile starts off with a nuanced blend of citrus and sage and then continues to develop in a way that reveals sweetness from the licorice and cardamom.
Juniper lingers at the stern, maintaining through a medium-long finish. The blend of ingredients makes for a fresh spirit with a layered complexity.
Is Engine Gin’s Tin Container Safe for Use with Beverages?
Upon initial launch, there were concerns regarding the safety of Engine Gin due to its tin packaging. It is the first spirit drink to come in a tin container, raising speculation about its suitability. The can design takes inspiration from motor oil cans in the 80’s, bringing to mind vintage cars and loud engines.
The can is made out of a special patented material that is suitable for holding alcoholic beverages. Paolo Dalla Mora spent two years perfecting the design and ensuring its safety before releasing the product into the market.
Fuel Your Spirit with Engine Gin
Developed as a homage to Italian traditions, Engine Gin is a finely tuned premium spirit drink. With a blend of intentionally sourced ingredients from all over Italy, it promises an unforgettable journey through the country’s best orchards and botanical gardens.
