In autumn 1984, in Padua, Italy, a boy discovers a mysterious book in a secluded attic room of Palazzo Zabarella, where he used to study. This room, laden with family heirlooms and remnants of the past, including a vintage gramophone, old records, a crank telephone, and a valve radio, was once his mother's study. The room stood in stark contrast to the rest of the bustling household and the noise from the family's printing business on the ground floor.
The boy's family had a long history of typography, indicative of Padua's significance in the printing world. This rich heritage was mirrored in the attic's contents, which connected him to generations past, with items and books that spanned back to his great-grandfather's era, including literature on the 1900 Paris World Fair and adventures of British explorers.
Upon finding a hidden, crushed volume with a soft blue cardboard cover among the books, the boy is taken on a historical journey by his grandmother, who explains that the volume is a printing draft linked to the "Society of Casino Pedrocchi," a gentlemen's club known for its tradition and where the boy's family printing house produced business cards for the members.
The draft turned out to be a manuscript containing ancient recipes for juniper spirits, detailing the distillation process and botanical mixtures. These recipes had been preserved orally through generations until they were finally transcribed into the notebook discovered by the boy.
The narrative weaves through the boy's subsequent research with his mother, uncovering their connection to the ancient noble family of Collalto and the Abbey of Sant'Eustachio, renowned for its agricultural innovations and distillations during the time of the medicinal gardens.
The history of gin is traced back to its roots in the Schola Medica Salernitana of the 9th century, highlighting the monastic efforts to distill spirits for medicinal purposes. This realization that the book contained forgotten recipes of historical significance rekindles the boy's, now a grown man living in the Netherlands, interest in these ancient concoctions.
Inspired by a chance discussion about gin in an Amsterdam club and reconnected with his heritage during a visit to Padua, the boy, together with a friend, decides to revive these ancient recipes. Their venture seeks not only to reintroduce a lost spirit to the world but also to honor the traditions and the history embedded in their discovery.
"Raixe" meaning "Roots" in the Venetian language, encapsulates the essence of their journey—reconnecting with one's heritage and bringing to life the forgotten traditions of distillation and botanical mastery that had been passed down through generations. It is a story of discovery, tradition, and the enduring legacy of craftsmanship that transcends time, linking the past with the present in the quest to preserve a piece of cultural heritage through the revival of ancient gin recipes.
Are you intrigued by the rich history and unique craftsmanship behind RAIXE Gin? Do you wish to explore the sophisticated flavors that connect the past with the present in every sip? Whether you're a gin enthusiast eager to add our exceptional spirit to your collection or a curious mind longing to learn more about our story and distillation process, we're here to provide you with all the information you need.
For inquiries, further details about our gin, or to place your order directly, please don't hesitate to reach out. We're committed to sharing the passion and heritage that RAIXE Gin embodies with each of you. Simply fill out the form below, or send us an email at info@raixe.com, and a member of our team will get back to you with the essence of Italy in a bottle.
Join us on a journey through time with RAIXE Gin – where every drop tells a story.
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At RAIXE Gin, we take immense pride in crafting a spirit that is as rich in quality as it is in history. Made in the heart of Veneto, Italy, our gin is a testament to the unparalleled beauty and agricultural bounty of the region. Each bottle of RAIXE Gin is infused with carefully selected botanicals, locally sourced to ensure the highest standards of purity and flavor. Our commitment to excellence is evident in every sip, offering a unique taste experience that transports you to the lush landscapes of Veneto.
Beyond our meticulous selection of ingredients, RAIXE Gin's journey from our distillery to your glass is a narrative of tradition and innovation. We are thrilled to share this journey not only with our fellow Italians but with gin enthusiasts around the globe. Our distribution network spans across borders, making RAIXE Gin available in various parts of Italy and internationally. This expansion allows us to bring a piece of Italian heritage and craftsmanship to the world, celebrating the spirit of Veneto with every bottle distributed.
Experience the essence of Italy with RAIXE Gin – where quality meets tradition in the art of distillation.