At United Drinks, we are always looking for spirits with a genuine sense of place, a distinctive story and the quality to stand out on an international stage.
Our latest addition takes us to Vrgorac, Croatia, where Poetica Distillery is creating a collection of small-batch spirits inspired by the landscape, botanicals and character of the Dalmatian region.
We are delighted to be the UK importer and distributor for Poetica Distillery, bringing two of its distinctive products to the UK: Ginuine London Dry Gin and Rubinino Liqueur.
And Poetica is not arriving quietly.
A Croatian Distillery Recognised on the World Stage
Poetica's international recognition grew significantly at the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) in 2024.
Its Ginuine London Dry Gin received 96 points and a Gold medal, an exceptional result in one of the world's most respected spirits competitions.
The distillery itself was also shortlisted for the IWSC 2024 International Gin Producer Trophy, alongside some of the world's best-known gin producers. Poetica's Ginuine London Dry Gin was additionally shortlisted for the London Dry Gin Producer Trophy.
These were significant moments for a Croatian distillery making its mark in an increasingly competitive global gin category.
Ginuine London Dry Gin
At the centre of Poetica's collection is Ginuine London Dry Gin, a Croatian expression that combines classic gin structure with the botanical character of its home region.
The 2024 IWSC judges awarded it 96 points and Gold, highlighting its green cardamom and Indian spice character, supported by citrus and a powerful but balanced palate.
It is a gin with enough character to be enjoyed neat, while also offering plenty of versatility for classic serves and cocktails.
For UK gin drinkers, Ginuine offers something slightly different: the familiar foundations of a London Dry style, interpreted through the perspective of a Croatian craft distillery.
Rubinino Liqueur
Alongside Ginuine, United Drinks is bringing Rubinino to the UK.
Rubinino is a distinctive Croatian fruit liqueur built around a combination of fruit, botanicals and carefully balanced sweetness.
Its flavour profile brings together berries, citrus and herbs, creating a versatile liqueur that can be enjoyed on its own, over ice or used to add depth and fruit character to cocktails.
It is another example of Poetica's approach to spirits — taking familiar ingredients and combining them in a way that feels contemporary while remaining closely connected to the region.
From Croatia to the UK
Poetica's story is rooted in Vrgorac, Croatia, and that sense of place is an important part of what makes the distillery interesting.
Rather than trying to imitate established spirits producers elsewhere, Poetica has developed its own identity around Croatian ingredients, local inspiration and a distinctly creative approach to distillation.
That combination has already attracted international attention.
From a 96-point IWSC Gold medal for Ginuine to being shortlisted among the world's leading gin producers in 2024, Poetica has demonstrated that Croatian craft spirits have a place on the international stage.
United Drinks: Poetica's UK Importer & Distributor
As the UK importer and distributor for Poetica Distillery, United Drinks is bringing these spirits to a new audience across the UK.
Ginuine and Rubinino will be available through the United Drinks online store, our trade network and selected UK sales channels, with further opportunities for bars, restaurants, retailers and spirits enthusiasts to discover the brand.
We will also be introducing Poetica through our events and wider brand activity, giving customers the opportunity to discover the story behind the bottles and experience what this Croatian distillery has created.
For us, this is what modern drinks distribution should be about: finding distinctive producers around the world and giving them a proper route into the UK market.
Discover Poetica
Croatia has a new voice in the world of premium spirits.
With Ginuine London Dry Gin and Rubinino Liqueur, Poetica brings together Croatian character, creative distilling and international recognition.
Now, United Drinks is bringing that story to the UK.
Poetica Distillery. From Vrgorac to the UK.
Available through United Drinks.
