For the past three years, Procera Gin has been one of Africa’s best kept spirit secrets, but now the savory gin from the highlands of Kenya is finally available in the US. The spirit makes its way stateside thanks to spirit and lifestyle brand incubator Innovation X Marketing (“IXM”).
Founded in 2018, Procera gets its distinctive flavor (and name) from Juniperus Procera — a juniper variety that is indigenous to the highlands of Kenya. The Procera tree only grows at altitudes higher than one mile above sea level, helping its berries to develop distinctive nutty and savory characteristics. This in turn makes Procera a unique high-end sipping gin that’s also excellent in classic, spirit-focused cocktails.
“Procera is proudly African, distilled by our dedicated team at Kenya’s first craft distillery,” said Guy Brennan, Procera Founder. “With our unique blend of botanicals and ingredients, it is the ultimate expression of the African terroir – from the plains of Morocco in the northwest to the Indian Ocean islands in the southeast.”
“Procera is an elegant sipping and martini gin with an extraordinary depth of flavor,” said Bill Henderson, IXM President. “It has already found a home in the top cocktail bars and lounges around the world, and we know it will fit right in to New York’s Cocktail Culture.”
Unlike the dried juniper used by most gin brands, Procera uses fresh – never dried – juniper giving a true sense of the African terroir. Juniperus Procera is just one of a dozen botanicals – all sourced from across the African continent:
- Pink Peppercorn from Madagascar
- Coriander and Orris Root from Morocco
- Juniper, Swahili Lime, Pixie Orange and Green Tea from Kenya
- Acacia Honey from Somalia
- Cardamom and Mace from Zanzibar
- Selim Pepper from Nigeria
On the nose, the gin is bright and juniper-forward with delicate zesty citrus undertones. The palate is elegant and round, with a broad mouth filling quality that features juniper, supported by restrained citrus and herbaceous notes.
As important as the terroir of Africa is to the brand, so too is the brand’s sustainability commitment to the continent. To date, more than 10,000 Juniperus Procera trees have been planted (one per bottle sold); the brand supports economic development by sourcing ingredients only from local farmers; and it’s unique, recycled, hand-blown glass bottled is created by local artisans.
Procera Blue Dot Gin has already picked up a variety of awards, winning gold medals at the 2019, 2020 and 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competitions. Its sister brands — 2021 Vintage Red Dot and Green Dot gins which have yet to be released in the US – were both awarded a Double Gold Medal in the 2021 SFWSC.Bottled at 44% ABV, Procera Gin is priced at $84.99 per 750ml bottle.
For more information, head over to the brand’s official website.