My Experience with Larios 12

I approached Larios 12 Premium Gin as someone who appreciates Mediterranean-style gins but remains skeptical of marketing claims. This Spanish gin positions itself in the premium segment, and I wanted to see if it could compete with the established players I typically reach for.

The Flavor Experience

From my first sip, the citrus-forward character dominates. I detected strong orange and lemon notes that align with the Mediterranean botanical tradition, which makes sense given the Spanish heritage. The juniper presence exists but takes a supporting role rather than leading the botanical profile. When I nosed the gin neat, I found it pleasant but somewhat one-dimensional compared to gins with more complex botanical layering.

The mouthfeel is clean and relatively smooth. I didn't experience the harsh alcohol burn that can plague budget gins, which speaks to reasonable distillation quality. However, I also didn't find the refined, silky texture that distinguishes truly premium spirits. It occupies a comfortable middle ground.

In Cocktails

I tested this primarily in gin and tonics, where it performed competently. The citrus notes pair naturally with tonic water and a lemon or lime garnish. The combination feels cohesive, if somewhat predictable. When I ventured into martinis, the citrus character became more pronounced—sometimes pleasantly so, sometimes overwhelming the vermouth depending on the ratio.

I found it less successful in botanical-forward cocktails where I wanted more herbal or floral notes to shine through. The citrus tends to dominate regardless of what else is in the glass, which limits its versatility compared to more balanced London Dry styles.

Value Considerations

This is where I have the most reservations. At its typical price point, Larios 12 sits in premium territory, yet my palate doesn't detect premium-level complexity or refinement. I can think of several established London Dry gins at similar or lower prices that offer more botanical depth and versatility. The Spanish provenance and Mediterranean positioning create a distinct profile, but whether that justifies premium pricing depends on how much you value that specific citrus-forward character.

Who This Suits

I would recommend this to someone who specifically enjoys citrus-dominant gins and plans to use it primarily in simple highballs or citrus-based cocktails. If you're building a home bar and want one Mediterranean-style gin for occasional use, this delivers competent quality. However, if you're looking for a versatile premium gin that handles everything from martinis to complex botanical cocktails, I'd suggest exploring other options that offer more balance and depth for your money.

It's a perfectly drinkable gin that does what it sets out to do—I just wish the execution matched the premium pricing more convincingly.