GINO12 Gin Distillery in Milan – A Hidden Gem for Gin Lovers

I was preparing myself for one more Milano trip and wanted to check out some places I hadn’t visited before. While doing my research, I found a few lines about GinO12 gin distillery – and I immediately knew it had to go straight to the top of my must-visit list 😊.

It’s not on the main path from the Navigli Grand Canal, but tucked just one tiny street behind it. It was a hot sunny afternoon and I was so ready for a gin tonic break, so my boyfriend and I set off to find this little secret place.

It didn’t take us long. The guy working there greeted us with such a cool story and tasting experience that I was instantly hooked. And right there I realized – storytelling is everything in craft gin these days. Not just the taste, but the stories behind the bottles, behind the people, behind the spirits. People remember stories. They share them. In the gin community, amazing stories are like little gifts that pass from one glass to another.

The Story Behind GINO12 Gin Distillery

GINO12 started not just as a distillery, but as a gin-centric concept born out of Milan’s vibrant Navigli district – a place already full of art, canals, and nightlife. What makes this spot truly quirky and unforgettable is its claim to being one of the smallest distilleries in the world. It operates from an incredibly tiny space – just a few square meters – where botanical dreams become reality. Locals and visitors alike even call it a micro-distillery carved into the charming Vicolo dei Lavandai behind Navigli canals.

The distillery grew out of the original GINO12 gin bar, part of the historic Officina12 restaurant that opened back in 2014 and became an instant favorite among gin lovers in Milan. Over time, the idea evolved into something more hands-on and interactive – a place where you’re not just a consumer, you’re part of the creative process.

The founders – including master distillers like Fabio and Giacomo – built this tiny space with Gina, their first still, which was actually used during the pandemic period for takeaway gin tonics. That little machine became the heart of the distillery, symbolizing both innovation and playfulness in craft gin.

What Makes GINO12 So Special

Before visiting, I didn’t realize how unique this place really was. Yes, you can walk in for a tasting – but the real magic is what you can create. On their website, you can design your own gin, choosing botanicals, flavors and even a personalised label. Then you pick up the finished bottle in the shop. This isn’t just a purchase, it’s an experience – from imagination to the bottle. 🍸

GINO12 produces its gin by distilling at low temperatures, preserving the delicate aroma and taste of botanicals without using pre-made essential oils – a true artisanal approach. They even distill for just one bottle if you want, because scaling up would ruin what makes the spirit special.

The Gin Itself

At GINO12 you’ll find a range of both classic and creative gin expressions. Some of the ones you can find on their site include:

• Distilled Dry Gin – A classic style with bold juniper balanced by grapefruit and bitter orange.
• London Dry Gin – Traditional profile with coriander, lemon, and juniper.
• Herbaceous Blend – A greener profile with basil, thyme, rosemary, mint and hibiscus.
• Floral Blend – Light, fragrant gin with rose, lavender and pink pepper.
• Citrus Blend – Zesty and refreshing with lime, lemon, orange and earl grey tea.
• Spicy Blend – Warm notes with ginger, cannella, and smoke-like tea infusion.

All of these showcase how versatile gin can be – from herbal and floral to citrusy and spicy. And if none of those fit your vibe? You can still make your own combination with up to five botanicals of your choosing.

Who Should Visit This Place?

• Gin lovers: Obviously — but especially people who love discovering new flavours and creative spirits.
• Gift hunters: Looking for a unique present? A custom bottle from here is unforgettable.
• Story lovers: If you enjoy experiences with personality (not just another bar stop), this is it.
• Couples and friends: It’s a fun, interactive way to spend an evening together.

How to Combine It With Your Milan Trip

If you’re already exploring the Navigli district – which you absolutely should – this gem is just a short walk away from the Grand Canal. After wandering along the canals at sunset, head here for a refreshing, story-rich gin tasting in Milan, and maybe even your own bottle to take home.

Final Sip

I love gin. And I love great gin stories. GINO12 gave me both: a taste that lingered long after the glass was empty, and a memory that made me smile every time I thought about it. If your travels are as much about people and stories as they are about places, then this tiny distillery should absolutely be on your radar.

Have you already tried GINO12 gin?
I’d love to hear what you think — did you taste it in Milan or create your own bottle? Share your experience in the comments and let’s swap gin stories.