Mallorca's Hottest Vermouth Spot Hides a Secret... Casa Eva!

Tucked away in the labyrinthine streets of Santa Catalina, Palma, La Mona has always felt like a best-kept secret, a vermutería buzzing with local charm and an air of exclusivity. But lately, it’s been drawing even more attention, and for good reason. We recently had the pleasure of attending a special pop-up tasting event, a collaboration between La Mona and Casa Eva, one of Mallorca’s most exciting craft distilleries.

Mallorca's Hottest Vermouth Spot Hides a Secret......

Casa Eva, based in the heart of Llucmajor, is far from your average spirits producer. It began as a true labor of love, fueled by a deep appreciation for the unique botanicals that thrive in the Mediterranean climate and a dedication to taking things slow. What started with a small-batch gin experiment has since morphed into a much-loved island brand, celebrated for its ability to bottle the very essence of Mallorca, from its sun-drenched citrus groves to its fragrant, locally foraged herbs. They really have captured something special in their spirits.

The tasting kicked off with the ‘La Mallorquina’ gin, a wonderfully bright and herbaceous spirit that practically screamed sunshine. The pairing? A classic gilda. For those unfamiliar, it's a Basque pintxo consisting of a skewered olive, anchovy, and piparra pepper. Honestly, the combination was inspired. The gin's zesty citrus notes acted as the perfect counterpoint to the saltiness of the anchovy and the gentle spice of the pepper. And I'm not kidding, those gildas alone are reason enough for a return trip!

However, the real star of the show, at least for me, was the ‘La Vermella’ gin. This one was a more complex beast, subtly spiced and deeply aromatic. It was served alongside a delicious Russian salad on toast, crowned with – you guessed it – another anchovy. The richness of the salad and the underlying spice of the gin created a truly memorable flavor profile. It was a clever pairing, demonstrating the versatility of Casa Eva's gins.

Our final tasting was a bold statement: ‘S’horabaixa’ gin paired with a decadent steak tartare, swiped with chilli mayo, and finished with, yes, more piparra pepper. This was a confident finale – the silky texture of the beef, the playful warmth of the chilli, and the crisp, aromatic gin all coming together in perfect harmony. A testament to the thought and care that goes into both the gin and the pairings.

And if all that wasn't enough to convince you to visit La Mona, here’s a little insider tip: on Tuesdays, you can snag a vermouth and a gilda for a mere €4. I'd argue that's one of the best aperitivo deals you'll find anywhere in Palma. So, yeah, we'll definitely be back. Probably next Tuesday!