The Tokaj region in Hungary is world-famous for its sweet wine, particularly Tokaj Aszú. This wine enjoys Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status under the European Union, limiting the use of the "Tokaj" label strictly to wines produced within the protected area.

However, in 2020, Tokaj saw the emergence of its first gin, Tokaj Gin, crafted by Seven Hills Distillery. This marked a bold new chapter for the region, traditionally associated only with winemaking. Seven Hills Distillery became a black sheep in the region for being the first to produce spirits in a wine-dominated area. By naming their gin "Tokaj," they pushed boundaries, as spirits are not restricted by the PDO status protecting the Tokaj name for wine.

The Birth of Seven Hills Distillery

Seven Hills Distillery takes its name from the forested Zemplén Mountains, whose rolling hills define the Tokaj landscape. Located amidst rivers and valleys, the distillery benefits from high humidity and minimal temperature fluctuations, creating an ideal environment for aging spirits.

Founded by Balázs Gáncs and Dénes Mészáros-Komáromy, Seven Hills was established with a vision to marry the Tokaj region’s rich winemaking heritage with innovative spirit production. While the founders’ ultimate goal is to produce whisky, which requires years to mature, Tokaj Gin was launched to introduce their creative approach to spirits.

It's worth noting that gin production in Hungary has only recently started to gain traction. Hungary's spirits regulations, historically centered around the traditional fruit brandy pálinka, do not have a specific category for gin. However, as part of the European Union, Hungary adheres to EU Regulation 2019/787. This regulation specifies that gin must have a minimum alcohol strength of 37.5% ABV when bottled and must be flavoured with juniper berries. Other botanicals are permitted, though there are no specific percentage requirements for their use.

Left: Tokaj G&T with &T Kft's curated Black Currant & Pine Bud tonic water (left), and Tokaj Gin with soda. Right: Bartender for Tokaj Gin, Richard Kormos (left), and fellow Hungarian, Csizmadia Mate, Head Bartender at The Bar at 15 Stamford, pulling cocktails at the bar takeover during Hungarian Gourmet Week in Kempinski. [Photos: Kim Choong]

A Tribute to Terroir

Tokaj Gin is crafted with 21 ingredients, including Hárslevelű grapes, a key component of Tokaj Aszú wine, to reflect the region’s terroir. Both column stills and pot stills are used in production.

Hardy botanicals such as green cardamom, coriander seeds, pink peppercorn, and juniper are distilled directly. Meanwhile, delicate ingredients like rose hips, rosemary, and mint are processed using a vapor basket. Elderflower and linden grapes – integral to Tokaj winemaking – are fermented and distilled separately and blended into the final gin.

Unique highlights include hand-picked forest pine buds, harvested during a precise two-week window in May to capture earthy, grassy notes while avoiding the heavier piney aroma of mature needles. Linden honey, sourced from nectar-rich linden trees, adds a distinctive floral sweetness, while blackcurrant imparts a vibrant, fruity edge.

Custom Tonic and Gin & Tonic Recipe

Seven Hills collaborated with local producer &T Kft to create a bespoke tonic using blackcurrant and pine bud to enhance the gin’s flavour profile with its signature Gin & Tonic recipe:

40ml Tokaj Gin
Curated Black Currant and Pine Bud tonic water
Garnished with a slice of grapefruit.

The tonic balances the gin’s citrus and berry notes with grapefruit and blackcurrant, delivering a refreshing harmony of flavours.

Tokaj Gin achieved acclaim in 2021, winning the title of World’s Best Contemporary Style Gin at the World Gin Awards. This accolade cemented its position as a groundbreaking product from the Tokaj region.

From left: Morning T'Punch using Tokaj Gin, Rhum Agricole, Lime, Prosecco, Earl Grey Tea Syrup and Milk; Tokaj Gin Negroni; Seven Hills Smoked Single Malr Whisky.

Looking Ahead

During a bar takeover at the Kempinski Hotel, Tokaj Gin’s Brand Manager Aliz Kormos-Weidner, alongside Bartender Richard Kormos, presented a rare bottle of Seven Hills Smoked Single Malt Whisky. This non-chill filtered, naturally coloured whisky is set to launch in December 2024.

Tokaj Gin is currently not in Malaysia or Singapore. For more information, visit the Seven Hills Distillery website.

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