How did your business begin and what made you decide to create Gin Agnes? In the heart of Campania, where the Vallo di Diano lies cradled between mountains, Gin Agnes was born — not from a trend, but from the tenacity of land and people. Enzo had left these mountains, chasing lighter air elsewhere, but twenty years later came back — not to rest, but to rebuild. As life-long friends, we made a simple pact: "I won’t touch the books. You stay out of the fields." Together we planted saffron as a whim. What bloomed was far more. What began with a few gifted bulbs turned into one of the largest saffron productions in Campania. At first, we made simple infusions and liqueurs. Then someone suggested: “Why not try making a gin?”. We didn’t know how, but we knew we wanted to try. The result? Gin Agnes — a gin not born to impress, but to express. It speaks of those who stay, who sow, who scrub their hands clean only when the day is done. What is the meaning and story behind the Gin Agnes brand name? “Agnes” comes from the Greek word for pure. That’s what we wanted to craft: an honest, unadulterated spirit made with care, clarity, and a respect for simplicity.
Can you tell us more about Gin Agnes and the botanicals you use? Gin Agnes is aromatic and floral, with a softness that welcomes rather than overwhelms. The first notes are citrus and pepper, followed by the warm, subtle embrace of saffron — never dominant, always graceful. It’s a gin that can stand on its own, or elevate a classic like the Negroni, where it adds depth and warmth. Much of Gin Agnes comes from Campania — the saffron from Sale Consilina, the soul from the soil. Some botanicals come from Südtirol, blending northern freshness with southern resilience. Every sip is a love letter to land, labour, and patience. Saffron in gin raised more than a few eyebrows. People expected risotto, not refinement. We recall a tasting in Siena where a sceptical woman refused to try it. We said: “Taste it. If you don’t like it, you don’t pay.” Many gin and tonics later she was a convert, and today she is one of our most loyal customers. That’s how Gin Agnes wins: not with hype, but with honesty. Can you tell us more about the distillation of Gin Agnes? Gin Agnes is made in collaboration with Nicolas and Banni Lottino, master distillers with roots stretching from England to Japan. At their Lottino Spirits distillery, each botanical is individually distilled at low temperatures using a rotary evaporator. The saffron is infused cold at the end, preserving its delicate aroma. Gin Agnes wasn’t easy to create. The first batch with another distillery was, as Enzo puts it, “a hole in the water.” But the Lottino brothers understood. They sat together, bottle by bottle, taste by taste — until the flavour felt right. It took stubborn heads and willing hearts to get there.
What are your favourite ways to drink Gin Agnes?
Neat. In a G&T. In a Negroni. Its soft complexity also pairs beautifully with seafood carpaccio, raw fish, or tartare. This is not a one-trick gin — it’s a companion to flavour. In The Gin Guide Awards 2025, as well as being Highly Commended in the Flavoured Gin category, Gin Agnes was also celebrated as being Highly Commended in the Negroni category. The recognition confirmed what we already felt: our gin had found its voice. Desert Island Gins: Which 3 gins would you take with you and why?
Can you tell us more about your Evodia Project? We are not just producers — we are also beekeepers, and our pain at seeing bee populations decline led to the Evodia Project. Every bottle sold helps plant Evodia trees, which bloom late in the season and nourish bees when food is scarce. We also visit agricultural and hotel institutes to speak with young people. We want to show them that agriculture is not a fallback, it’s a future. What's next for you and Gin Agnes - any exciting plans? Our vision is to grow without losing our grounding. More gins, more artisanal liqueurs — perhaps even international collaborations. But always with the land as a compass. Because Gin Agnes is not just a gin. It is a decision — to stay when leaving is easier. It is a field of saffron in bloom. A handshake between friends. A belief in the value of things done slowly, well, and with heart. It doesn’t need fairy tales. It just needs a glass. You Might Also Like...
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