Magellan Iris Flavored Gin

Magellan Iris Flavored Gin. Cognac Ferrand, Angeac, Charente, France — a naturally blue French gin named for the 16th-century explorer Ferdinand Magellan, distilled four times with 11 botanicals including iris root and flower which give it both its signature color and a subtle floral complexity.

Magellan is produced by Cognac Ferrand at their Angeac distillery in the Charente region of France — the same house responsible for Citadelle Gin and Plantation Rum. The gin is named for Ferdinand Magellan, whose 1519 circumnavigation of the globe brought back barrels of cloves from the Spice Islands — and cloves remain one of Magellan's key botanicals. The spirit is distilled four times from grain using traditional Charentais copper pot stills, the same style used for Cognac distillation in the region.

The natural blue color is one of Magellan's most distinctive qualities. Unlike many blue gins that use butterfly pea flower for a color-change effect, Magellan achieves its aquamarine hue through maceration of iris root and iris flower after distillation — making it one of the original naturally blue gins, predating the butterfly pea trend by years. The iris adds a subtle floral dimension alongside its color contribution. The remaining 10 botanicals — cloves, juniper, cinnamon, cassia, orange peel, coriander, licorice, grains of paradise, cardamom, and nutmeg — are spice-forward and inspired by the spices Magellan's expedition sought. Gold at the Gin Masters London 2008.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Clove and cassia bark open with orange peel and coriander. Juniper is clear and present. Subtle hints of nutmeg and grains of paradise emerge alongside a faint floral quality from the iris.
• Palate: Bittersweet and earthy — cloves, cassia, juniper, and licorice dominate with a cocoa and bean-like mid-palate character. Orange rind and coriander provide citrus brightness. Iris adds a barely perceptible floral depth.
• Finish: Long, bittersweet, and zesty. Spice warmth from cloves and cassia lingers alongside a gentle orange and juniper close. Clean and dry through the end.

Specs

• Distillery: Cognac Ferrand (Maison Ferrand), Angeac, Charente, France
• Style: French Gin — Iris Flavored
• Botanicals: Iris root & flower, juniper, cloves, cinnamon, cassia, orange peel, coriander, licorice, grains of paradise, cardamom, nutmeg
• Color: Natural aquamarine blue from iris root maceration — no artificial coloring
• Distillation: Four-times distilled, Charentais copper pot stills
• ABV: 44% (88 Proof)
• Size: 750ml

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Frequently Asked Questions

• What does Magellan Gin taste like? Bittersweet and spice-forward — cloves, cassia, and juniper dominate the nose. The palate is earthy with cloves, licorice, and orange rind alongside a cocoa-like mid-palate depth. The finish is long and bittersweet with lingering spice and a clean juniper close.
• Why is Magellan Gin blue? The natural aquamarine color comes from iris root and flower macerated in the gin after distillation. Unlike butterfly pea flower gins that change color when mixed, Magellan's iris color is stable — it does not shift with acidity.
• Who makes Magellan Gin? Magellan is produced by Cognac Ferrand at their Angeac distillery in Charente, France — the same house responsible for Citadelle Gin and the Plantation Rum range.
• What cocktails is Magellan best in? Its spice-forward, earthy character makes it excellent in a Martini, Aviation, or Negroni. The distinctive blue color makes for striking presentation in any clear cocktail. Also good in a G&T where its spice complexity can balance a bitter tonic.
• What is the connection to Ferdinand Magellan? Magellan's 1519 expedition sought the Spice Islands (now the Maluku Islands of Indonesia). Though he died before completing the journey, his remaining crew returned with barrels of cloves — which remain one of Magellan Gin's signature botanicals.