The world of premium spirits has experienced a renaissance in recent years, with gin emerging as a dominant force in the craft distillation movement. Among the many artisanal brands that stand out, Old Pilot’s Gin shines as a symbol of quality and innovation. As the first Croatian craft gin, it is produced in the microdistillery "Duh u boci" (eng. The Spirit In The Bottle) and has captivated the palates of discerning enthusiasts worldwide thanks to its meticulous craftsmanship, unique flavor profile, and impressive array of international awards.
Born from the vision of two former Croatian Air Force pilots, Old Pilot’s Gin is a story of passion, precision, and unwavering commitment to excellence. We spoke with Old Pilot’s Gin Sales Director, Mr. Darko Uremović, and here’s what we learned.
Hrvoje Bušić (left) i Tomislav Anadolac (right)
The creation of Old Pilot’s Gin is an inspiring story of two individuals who transferred their discipline, attention to detail, and love for aviation into the world of distillation. Tomislav Anadolac and Hrvoje Bušić, both trained pilots with distinguished careers in aviation, developed a deep passion for fine spirits during their travels. Their shared love for gin and an innate drive to create something extraordinary led them to establish their own distillery in Zagreb.
With an analytical approach and an relentless pursuit of perfection, they embarked on a journey to craft a gin that would not only pay tribute to Croatia’s rich natural landscape but also meet the highest international standards of spirits production. Their expertise in precision, honed through years of piloting aircraft, became a guiding principle in every aspect of their gin-making process.
Botanical hommage to Croatia
What truly sets Old Pilot’s Gin apart is its unique botanical composition, an authentic tribute to Croatia’s diverse landscape. Each ingredient is carefully sourced from different regions across the country, ensuring an unmistakably Croatian flavor profile. Juniper berries, the foundation of any gin, are hand-picked in Otočac, a region known for its high-quality juniper. Oranges, adding a refreshing citrus note, come from the sunny Neretva Valley and Dalmatian islands. Olive leaves, which contribute delicate herbal undertones, are selected from the Biokovo mountain range, an area rich in premium Mediterranean botanicals. Sage, prized for its earthy complexity, is harvested at the foot of Mount Velebit, while lavender from the Dalmatian coast infuses the gin with gentle floral notes. The final ingredient, angelica root, sourced from continental Croatia, ties the botanical blend together, creating this complex and well-balanced gin.
Old Pilot’s Gin London Dry Gin
An award-winning distillate
Despite being a relatively young brand, Old Pilot’s Gin has achieved the kind of global recognition that many distilleries aspire to but few attain. The pinnacle of its success came when it was named the "Best London Dry Gin in the World" at the prestigious International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC).
This award, considered one of the highest honors in the spirits industry, catapulted Old Pilot’s Gin onto the world stage and cemented its reputation as a top-tier gin.
In addition to its IWSC recognition, the brand has earned numerous medals at various international competitions. At the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Old Pilot’s Gin won a gold medal in the London Dry Gin category, further solidifying its excellence.
The brand continued its streak of success at the World Gin Awards, where it won gold medals in 2022 and 2023, being named the best Croatian London Dry Gin. These accolades highlight Old Pilot’s Gin’s dedication to crafting a distillate that masterfully blends traditional distillation methods with unique Croatian botanicals, creating a gin that is equally appreciated by spirits enthusiasts and industry experts alike.
The distillation process
At the heart of Old Pilot’s Gin’s exceptional quality lies a precise distillation process that emphasizes purity, balance, and craftsmanship. Unlike mass-produced gins, which often use industrial methods, Old Pilot’s Gin is distilled in small batches with a strong focus on manual labor. Every stage of production, from selecting botanicals to distillation and bottling, is carefully controlled to ensure consistency and premium quality. The distillation takes place in specially designed copper stills, which allow for precise temperature regulation and optimal extraction of botanical aromas. Each batch is monitored with scientific accuracy, ensuring that only the highest quality distillate makes its way into the final product.
Expanding horizons
Although Old Pilot’s Gin initially gained fame as a London Dry Gin, the brand has since expanded its portfolio to cater to a broader audience of spirits enthusiasts. Their Barrel Aged Gin, which undergoes aging in wooden barrels, offers a rich depth of flavor, making it an excellent choice for both whisky and gin lovers.
The brand also introduced a Vodka, whose bottle design won the World Drinks Awards for Best Vodka Design in the World in 2023. Additionally, they launched a Strawberry Gin and the highly sought-after Art Edition Gin. In response to the growing demand for convenient, high-quality cocktails, Old Pilot’s also launched ready-to-drink Gin & Tonic products, which maintain the signature botanical character of their gin while providing easy enjoyment.
Old Pilot's Barrel Aged Gin
Old Pilot's Vodka
Where to find Old Pilot’s Gin
For those eager to experience Old Pilot’s Gin firsthand, the brand is available at select specialty liquor stores, top bars, and through its official online store. Due to its growing popularity, the gin is increasingly featured in cocktail menus at some of the best hospitality venues worldwide. Visitors to Zagreb have the opportunity to tour the distillery, where they can learn more about the complex distillation process, participate in guided tastings, and discover the craftsmanship behind each bottle.
Their story is an inspiration to all future distillers, showing that with vision, precision, and uncompromising quality, they can achieve global success.
More at www.oldpilots.com i www.duhuboci.com
Pictures: Old Pilot’s Gin, Duh u boci
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