Our Process

Crafting Toca Vida

The perfect balance between tradition and modernity, craftsmanship and artistry. Toca Vida Gin is crafted in the 17th-century Hensol Castle Distillery, located in the picturesque Welsh countryside. Hensol Castle has 400 years of history, tradition, and innovation.

Tucked away in the cellar of Hensol Castle, Toca Vida gin is handcrafted from fresh Sicilian lemons and limes, Cuban pink grapefruit, and pure Welsh water. Our team of expert distillers, manually operate a 400 Litre copper pot & column still hybrid which enables each batch to truly be artisanally handcrafted just for your pleasure. Our process doesn’t use any additives or artificial sweeteners – only pure spirit, fresh citrus, and the finest Welsh water. The water used in our distillation process plays a key role in the flavor of the finished spirit - and in Wales, we have some of the best water in the world to create the perfect gin for sipping or mixing.

The Art of Distillation

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  • Botanicals

    1. Sourcing the Finest Citrus

    Our process begins with selecting the freshest and most flavorful citrus fruits. We source premium Sicilian lemons, limes, and Cuban pink grapefruits, known for their rich, zesty flavors. These fruits are handpicked to ensure they meet our exacting standards, providing the bright and vibrant notes that define Toca Vida Gin.

  • Citrus Peels

    2. Maceration for Maximum Flavor

    Before distillation, the citrus peels are macerated in a pure neutral grain spirit. This step allows the natural oils and flavors of the lemons, limes, and pink grapefruits to infuse into the spirit. The maceration process is done slowly and carefully to capture the full spectrum of citrus flavors, resulting in a gin that is bright, aromatic, and full of life.

  • Copper Still

    3. Distillation in a 400-Litre Copper Still

    In the cellar of Hensol Castle, our expert distillers operate a 400-litre copper pot and column still hybrid. This still is at the heart of our distillation process, allowing us to craft each batch with precision and care. The copper still enhances the extraction of essential oils from the citrus peels, while the column still allows for a refined and pure distillate.

  • Distillery

    4. Artisanal Distillation

    During distillation, our team of expert distillers meticulously monitors each step, ensuring that the flavors are perfectly balanced. The 400-litre copper still is manually operated, allowing for precise control over the temperature and distillation speed. This hands-on approach ensures that every drop of Toca Vida Citrus Gin is crafted with the utmost care, resulting in a spirit that is smooth, vibrant, and complex.

  • Cocktail

    5. No Additives, Just Pure Flavor

    At Toca Vida, we believe in keeping our gin pure and natural. That’s why we don’t use any additives or artificial sweeteners in our process. The rich flavors of our gin come solely from the fresh citrus, botanicals, and pure Welsh water. This commitment to natural ingredients ensures that Toca Vida Citrus Gin is clean, refreshing, and true to its roots.

  • Empty Bottles

    6. Hand-Bottling

    After distillation, our gin is carefully hand-bottled in small batches. Each bottle is inspected, sealed, and labeled by hand, ensuring that only the best reaches your glass. The final product is a perfectly balanced, citrus-forward gin that’s ideal for sipping or mixing into your favorite cocktails.

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