Visiting São Miguel island in the Azores? Your holiday isn’t complete without a visit to The Gin Library. A must for gin lovers, or those who appreciate a fine assortment when they see one, The Gin Library is both an impressive collection and an enjoyable experience to remember.
Suggested read: 10 epic things to do in the Azores
Where is The Gin Library?
The Gin Library is found just a 10-minute drive from the centre of Ponta Delgada, a town located in the middle of São Miguel island in the Azores.
What makes The Gin Library special?
There are over 1,800 gins in The Gin Library from over 64 countries
With over 1,800 gins from over 64 countries you don’t have to be a gin lover to appreciate this impressive collection but it certainly helps. The Gin Library’s collection is growing steadily with hundreds of new gins added each year.
This makes The Gin Library the largest gin collection in Europe
Which makes it culture, right? You didn’t go to The Gin Library to enjoy gin (well, you did), you went to visit an impressive European museum. Taking the crown for the largest gin collection in Europe, it is also a hot contender for the largest gin collection in the entire world.
They also make their own gin – The Ghosts of the Ocean
They don’t only collect gins from across the world, they make their own gin as well. The Ghosts of the Ocean gin is made with seaweed (but don’t let that put you off!), mint and lemon, and, speaking from experience, is delicious. You can enjoy The Ghosts of the Ocean as part of your visit, buy to take home or even order online. Find out more about The Ghosts of the Ocean in-house gin here.
Library x Speakeasy
On arrival at The Gin Library, you’re welcomed in a bright yet cosy room, lined with gin bottles from across the world and a dedicated bar to perfect and be served your gin drink. However, that’s only the tip of the iceberg. Press at the seemingly innocent bookcase and watch as it opens to reveal a secret hallway. Follow the hallway through to a secret room, ideal for enjoying the gin drink you just concocted.
Experiences at The Gin Library
Visit The Gin Library
Do like us and enjoy a visit to The Gin Library. Entry is currently €15 per person and this includes your first gin and tonic.
Learn how to make the perfect gin and tonic
Time your visit to The Gin Library with a lesson in how to make the perfect gin and tonic from The Gin Library’s owner Ali Bullock. Included as a part of your entry, this is currently on offer every afternoon at 5pm.
Gin Library Flight
Love gin? Take your experience to the next level with a Gin Library Flight. Pick from either three sample gins (€35) or six sample gins (€50), with all gins, garnishes and flavours explained by owner, Ali.
Azorean Gin Masterclass
Don’t just enjoy gins on your Azores holiday, learn about the connection between gin and this area of the world at the Azorean Gin Masterclass. Try three gin and tonics created or inspired by the Azores with tonics and garnishes to match.
VIP Gin Masterclass
Picked by the owner, Ali, enjoy the top five gins in the collection at the VIP Gin Masterclass. Over two hours, with a minimum of two people, you’ll learn about the history of gin, tour the Solar Branco Eco-Estate and take home an bottle of the in-house gin.
The Ginzilla
Ready to try one of the largest cocktails in the world? Boasting 25 standard drinks, The Ginzilla is designed to be shared by several people and is available at The Gin Library.
For all The Gin Library experiences:
Reservations are highly recommended to avoid missing out and all visitors must be over the age of 16. Please see their official website for up-to-date information on their experiences and opening hours.
Bring a gin to swap
1,800 gin from 64 countries is an impressive resume, but it’s certainly not all the gins in the world. The Gin Library invites its guests to bring a gin from their country. If they don’t already have your gin in their collection, they’ll swap your gin for one of their own – made right here in the Azores. You can find out a list of gins they already own and more information about the gin swap here.
You can also stay onsite at The Solar Branco Eco Estate
Extend your stay at The Gin Library by staying at The Solar Branco Eco Estate. This adults-only eco-estate is made of luxurious suites, remodelled inside old cottages, barns and pens for rustic yet grandeur accommodation. You can find out the variety of rooms available on their official website: The Solar Branco Eco Estate.
The Ocean Azores Foundation
The Gin Library are proud supporters of The Ocean Azores Foundation. The Gin Library donate €1 for each in-house bottle sold and The Solar Blanco Eco Estate donate €5 per room per night. The foundation is focused on increasing protection and survival of aquatic mammals in the Azores.
Make a reservation
Like what you see? Find out everything you need to know about the library, see availability and make a reservation on their official website.
Please note:
I explored the Azores as part of a collaboration with Visit Azores. For more information on my disclaimer and how you can work with me see: Work With Me.
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