Rechmaya Distillery

Our selection this quarter comes all the way from Lebanon, once again reminding us that gin is a truly global spirit! It is crafted by a husband and wife team who were drawn back to their hometown with the intent of starting a craft distillery that would honor the land. The village of Rechmaya (or Ra’s el miyah in the original Syrianic) is located in lush mountainous terrain and serves as an inspiration for Jun Botanic Gin. Enjoy!

Cheers!

Sam Crocker

Resident Ginthusiast

Rechmaya Distillery Jun Botanic Gin

Origin: Rechmaya, Lebanon

Founders Chady and Maya initially found themselves immersed in the creative realm of the Dubai advertising industry. However, the corporate landscape began to stifle their spirits, rekindling their deep-seated love for nature and freedom. This renewed passion led them back to their roots, prompting them to embark on a remarkable journey: establishing their very own craft distillery in their beloved hometown of Rechmaya.

 

Maya says “I grew up looking at my dad taking care of the garden and nature is my weak point…I decided to go back to basics and stay in Rechmaya, taking care of the land that we have, host people and create something that will make Rechmaya proud.”

 

Driven by an unwavering passion for flavors and an eagerness to experiment with diverse ingredients, Chady, armed with a cooking certificate, delved into advanced distillation courses, honing his skills to craft an exquisitely balanced gin recipe. Meanwhile, with her years of experience in communication, Maya dedicated herself to infusing the brand with a vibrant and inviting image.

 

As two halves of a harmonious whole, Chady and Maya are inherently cheerful and sociable individuals who relish the art of hospitality. While living abroad, they yearned for the simple joys of their matured garden, the breathtaking mountain vistas, and the serenity of relaxing beneath the apricot tree, sharing drinks and barbecues with friends.

 

Information courtesy of Rechmaya Distillery

Founders: Maya and Chady Khattar

Price: $42.99

Botanicals: Organic lebanese juniper, coriander, ginger, galangal, mastic, rosemary, bayleaf, orange and lemon.


Tasting Notes:

Begins with sweet aromas of mastic and locally grown rosemary, orange & lemon. There’s a spicy finish of ginger, galangal, coriander and bay leaves, while the wild juniper from the Bekaa mountains signs off with its distinct kiss.

Cocktails

Jun ‘n’ Tonic (Easy)

Ingredients:

1 ½-2 oz Jun Botanic Gin

Tonic water to top

Instructions:

Pour gin into a glass over ice and top with tonic water to taste.


Jun Fizz (Medium)

Ingredients:

2 parts Jun Botanic Gin

1 part lemon juice

1 part simple syrup 

Top with soda

Instructions:

Shake gin, lemon juice and simple syrup with ice. Pour into a highball glass with ice and top with soda. Garnish with a lemon slice and cherry.


Lebanese Breakfast Martini (Advanced)

Ingredients:

1 ½ oz Jun Botanic Gin

½ oz lemon juice

½ oz simple syrup

¼ oz thyme distillate 

¼ oz Aquafaba or egg white (optional)

Instructions:

Shake all ingredients and double strain into a chilled coupe glass. Spritz with orange blossom water.

Recipes adapted from www.rechmayadistillery.com/cocktails/

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