Our Process

Crafting Toca Vida

The perfect balance between tradition and modernity, craftsmanship and artistry. Toca Vida Gin is crafted in the 17th-century Hensol Castle Distillery, located in the picturesque Welsh countryside. Hensol Castle has 400 years of history, tradition, and innovation.

Tucked away in the cellar of Hensol Castle, Toca Vida gin is handcrafted by our team of expert distillers, who manually operate a 400 Litre copper pot & column still hybrid which enables each batch to truly be artisanally handcrafted just for your pleasure. Our process doesn’t use any additives or artificial sweeteners – only pure spirit, fresh botanicals, and the finest Welsh water. The water used in our distillation process plays a key role in the flavor of the finished spirit - and in Wales, we have some of the best water in the world to create the perfect gin for sipping or mixing.

The Art of Distillation

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1. Sourcing the Finest Botanicals

Our process begins with a dedication to quality and character. Every ingredient used in Toca Vida is thoughtfully sourced ensuring a vibrant, layered, and consistently exceptional gin no matter which bottle you choose.
2. Maceration for Maximum Flavor

Before distillation, our botanicals undergo a slow and deliberate maceration process to unlock their fullest potential. This careful infusion draws out the essential oils and vibrant citrus character, resulting in a gin that’s bright, aromatic, and bursting with life. This meticulous process ensures every bottle of Toca Vida captures the distinctive personality of its ingredients.
3. Distillation in a 400-Litre Copper Still

In the cellar of Hensol Castle, our expert distillers operate a 400-litre copper pot and column still hybrid. This still is at the heart of our distillation process, allowing us to craft each batch with precision and care.
4. Artisanal Distillation

During distillation, our team of expert distillers meticulously monitor each step, ensuring that the flavors are perfectly balanced. The 400-litre copper still is manually operated, allowing for precise control over the temperature and distillation speed. This hands-on approach ensures that every drop of Toca Vida is crafted with the utmost care, resulting in a spirit that is smooth, vibrant, and complex.
5. No Additives, Just Pure Flavor

At Toca Vida, we believe in keeping our gin pure and natural. That’s why we don’t use any additives or artificial sweeteners in our process. The rich flavors of our gin come solely from the botanicals and pure Welsh water. This commitment to natural ingredients ensures that Toca Vida is clean, refreshing, and true to its roots.
6. Hand-Bottling

After distillation, our gin is carefully hand-bottled in small batches. Each bottle is inspected, sealed, and labeled by hand, ensuring that only the best reaches your glass. The final product is a perfectly balanced, gin that’s ideal for sipping or mixing into your favorite cocktails.