Poetica Gin enters any conversation about Croatian craft spirits as a brand that has already achieved what many aspire to. From its home in Vrgorac, this small family distillery has built a reputation rooted in precision, authenticity, and unwavering quality, earning recognition across competitions, critics, and discerning consumers. As Poetica sets its sights on the UK, it does so with the credibility of a producer already performing at the highest level in its native market.

Founded by Jelena and Drago Nosić, Poetica is built on a philosophy that rejects shortcuts in favour of purity and craftsmanship. Jelena, a graduate agricultural engineer specialised in distillates, leads production with technical prowess and a meticulous approach. Drago, with deep experience in hospitality and spirits service guides brand development and market understanding. Together, they craft Poetic’s identity: disciplined, detail-driven, and uncompromising on quality.

This commitment is evident in Poetica’s performance on the global stage. At the 2024 International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC), Poetica achieved an exceptional medal sweep: a gold medal and 96 points for its Ginuine London Dry Gin—making it the highest-scoring Croatian gin in IWSC history—and silver medals for its Olive Infused Gin, Limited Barrel Aged Old Tom Gin, and Summer Sonnet. These results were accompanied by two remarkable nominations: World’s Best Gin Producer and World’s Best London Dry Gin. Regionally, Poetica’s dominance continued at GinIstra 2024, where the distillery earned Best in Show for its Olive Infused Gin, multiple category wins, and an array of platinum and gold medals. Its earlier success at the Berlin International Spirits Competition, where it was named Croatian Gin Distillery of the Year 2023, reinforces the consistency behind its acclaim.

Croatian press coverage has amplified this recognition. Elegant.hr praises Poetica’s silky texture, intoxicating aroma, and meticulous use of local botanicals sourced within a 20-kilometre radius. Reviewers describe the gins as expressing the luxury and flavour complexity of the region, highlighting notes of juniper, rosemary, citrus, and herbs that deliver both drinkability and depth. Slobodna Dalmacija calls Poetica Ginuine the best-rated gin in Croatian history, while Plavakamenica.hr emphasises the significance of its IWSC nominations—achievements that place Poetica in distinguished company among Europe’s most respected distillers.

While awards and reviews provide validation, the strength of Poetica lies equally in its portfolio—a set of expressions that showcase the diversity of Croatian terroir and the technical skill of their distillation. Poetica Ginuine London Dry Gin, the brand’s signature variant, is crafted from juniper harvested near the village of Majići and flavoured with Biokovo herbs and Neretva citrus. It delivers aromas of green cardamom, Indian spice, and bright citrus, with a palate that deepens beautifully when touched with water. It is the distillery’s most internationally recognised expression and a benchmark for Croatian London Dry gin.

Poetica Summer Sonnet Gin, infused with the famous Vrgorac strawberries, offers a surprising twist: herbal and lightly spicy tones take the lead, while the strawberries contribute a precise, elegant fruit note. Its freshness and balance make it an exceptional base for seasonal cocktails or vibrant summer serves.

Poetica Winter Ballad Gin, designed to evoke the warmth of the holidays, leans into rich notes of cinnamon, speculaas spice, and festive aromatics. Its edible gold leaf adds a celebratory touch, making it a favourite for winter gatherings and gifting.

Poetica Olive Infused Gin has become one of the distillery’s most decorated variants—a unique expression born from an infusion of Brač Oblica olive distillate. As the official spirit of the World Olive Picking Championship, it captures the Mediterranean in a glass: savoury olive notes, aromatic herbs, and a distinctly Dalmatian profile that resonates with judges and consumers alike.

Completing the lineup is Poetica Limited Barrel Aged Old Tom Gin, aged eleven months in barrels previously used by Gašpar Winery for Trnjak wine. The result is a layered, complex spirit with notes of wild heather, earthy juniper, subtle menthol, and a rich, saline depth influenced by the barrel. It stands among the highest-rated barrel-aged gins in Croatia.

For a distillery that intentionally produces no more than 3,500 bottles a year, Poetica’s achievements are extraordinary. Their small-batch approach ensures precision in every release, and their results speak plainly: Croatia has already embraced Poetica as one of its most successful craft gin producers. Its awards confirm it. The press affirms it. Consumers recognise it.

As Poetica prepares to share its story with the UK, it enters as a brand that already knows how to win—on quality, on character, and on consistency. It arrives not with ambition alone, but with a proven record of excellence.

TAGS: