Captain Santor’s South Sea Craft Gin

Tasting notes of the Curator

On pouring, the spirit catches light like liquid crystal, a pale whisper of the sea-air rather than something heavy or opaque. The nose opens with bright citrus—Calabrian limetta, that ancient lime variety clinging to southern terraces—sharp yet rounded. Within moments, juniper from the Sila hills rises to meet it, aromatic and resinous, the backbone of true gin craftsmanship.

Beneath these, a quiet minerality unfolds: the faint suggestion of sea breeze, rock salt, and wild herbs baked in the sun. It’s as if rosemary and thyme were carried inland on the wind. The palate is dry but supple—juniper confident, citrus lifted, spice measured. Hints of coriander seed and angelica root lend mid-palate warmth and a satin-like texture. The finish is clean, saline, lingering with echoes of citrus peel and maritime air.

This is a gin that reflects precision and restraint. Each botanical is chosen not for novelty but for harmony. The result feels distinctly Italian—sunny, elegant, and quietly assured—a coastal distillation of land and light.

Pairings and Suggestions

• Gin & Tonic, elevated – Pair with a neutral premium tonic; garnish with a twist of lemon or yuzu and a sprig of fresh thyme.
• Seafood aperitif – Ideal with oysters, grilled prawns, or scallop crudo; the gin’s saline finish amplifies their natural sweetness.
• Mediterranean small plates – Complements grilled artichokes, lemon-oregano chicken skewers, or fennel-orange salad with olive oil.
• Martini variation – 60 ml gin, 15 ml dry vermouth, stirred over ice and finished with a citrus peel. Its clarity carries the drink effortlessly.
• Evening harmony – Sip neat over a single ice cube beside dark chocolate with orange zest or candied citrus peels.

From Sailcloth to Still: The True Story of Captain Santor

Before it was a gin, Captain Santor was a name stitched onto linen and sailcloth. Founded in southern Italy by a group of designers and sailors, the brand began as a small apparel label dedicated to maritime heritage and the Mediterranean way of life—sun-bleached cotton, weathered brass, garments that carried the scent of salt air.

Their collections were born not in studios but in shipyards and ports: functional, elegant, imbued with that calm dignity of the sea. Over time, the founders found themselves drawn back to the origin of that feeling—the coastline itself. They wanted to bottle the same emotion their clothes carried: early-morning light on the Calabrian shore, the sharpness of citrus, the quiet pulse of the wind.

In 2021, partnering with a Calabrian micro-distillery, they launched South Sea Craft Gin, a distilled continuation of their philosophy. Every decision—down to the navy-and-white label echoing maritime uniforms—reflects a devotion to simplicity and craft. The botanicals are local and honest: juniper from the Sila hills, limetta from ancient groves, herbs gathered along the coast.

Captain Santor’s evolution from clothing to distillation wasn’t a leap between worlds but a seamless voyage. To wear the name once meant to carry the scent of sea and wind; to drink it now is to taste that same Mediterranean freedom—measured, elegant, enduring.

Storage Instructions

Store upright in a cool, dark place (15-20 °C is ideal), away from direct sunlight or strong odours. Keep tightly sealed between uses. Though spirits do not spoil, for peak aromatic freshness it is best enjoyed within 18-24 months after opening. Minimise headspace once half-empty to preserve the original botanical profile.