For over a century, Tiraspol Winery & Distillery KVINT has been a household name in Moldova, renowned for its wines and brandies. But with global tastes evolving, KVINT has expanded its vision—embracing innovation while honoring tradition. Their latest creation, London Dry Gin Electio, has not only captured consumer attention but also achieved international acclaim, winning “Gin of the Year” and a 95-point Gold Medal at the 2025 USA Spirits Ratings.

In this exclusive interview, the KVINT team shares the inspiration behind Electio, their view on the gin category’s evolution, and how this award strengthens their global ambitions.

Q. Kvint has a long heritage in producing wines and brandies. What inspired you to create a London Dry Gin like Electio, and how does it fit within your diverse portfolio?

In 2017 we already produced our first London Dry Gin, Thomas Shackley, as we had noticed how gin was rapidly gaining popularity. It instantly became a hit, so later we started thinking about creating something more sophisticated. That’s how, after some years, we came up with the new blend of gin Electio. Our customers were ready for a new gin in our portfolio, and we were ready to present something extraordinary for them!

Q. What made you decide to enter Electio specifically into the USA Spirits Ratings, and how does this win reflect your vision for the brand?

For us, creating such a craft gin was something innovative, so we wanted professionals like the experts of your esteemed jury panel to evaluate it. This win showed us that we are heading in the right direction and that we’re ready to expand our boundaries beyond just classical products.

Q. The gin category continues to evolve with interest in botanicals, craft positioning, and premium sipping gins. What trends are you seeing in the gin market, and how is Kvint adapting to align with them?

We’re observing a growing demand for authenticity, provenance, and elevated drinking experiences. There’s also a notable trend toward sipping gins: products that are refined enough to be enjoyed neat, much like a fine brandy or whisky. With gin Electio, we’ve embraced this shift by crafting a gin that goes beyond the classic London Dry style. It’s distilled with locally inspired botanicals, offering complexity and smoothness, which resonates with both mixology enthusiasts and connoisseurs who appreciate sipping spirits.

Q. Many gin brands highlight provenance and unique botanicals. How does Electio differentiate itself in terms of flavour profile and storytelling?

Electio’s recipe highlights classic juniper, balanced with botanicals that evoke our region’s character. The name “Electio,” meaning “meticulously selected,” underscores our philosophy: carefully selecting botanicals, choosing craftsmanship over volume, and offering consumers a gin that feels both modern and rooted in tradition. It’s a spirit that tells the story of Moldova’s natural richness while standing shoulder-to-shoulder with premium international gins.

Q. Beyond Electio, are there any new product launches or innovation initiatives Kvint is planning to keep its portfolio relevant and exciting in the global spirits market?

We’re planning to enrich our portfolio with brandy-based liqueurs as well as brandies with secondary finishing in rum casks. These initiatives ensure that KVINT remains dynamic and relevant, while still honoring our 128-year-old legacy.

Q. Kvint has a strong reputation in brandy and wine. How do you envision the gin category playing into your long-term growth strategy, both in Moldova and internationally?

Brandy and wine remain the core of our identity, but gin represents an important bridge to younger, globally minded consumers. It allows us to diversify our portfolio and enter premium on-trade channels — cocktail bars, boutique retailers, and craft-focused venues — where brandy may not always be the first choice. Internationally, gin strengthens our positioning in markets where consumer curiosity for new spirits is high. In Moldova, it introduces local audiences to modern drinking trends and reinforces KVINT as an innovative, forward-looking producer. Over the long term, gin will complement our brandy and wine business, enhancing both our relevance and global footprint.

Q. Finally, what message would you like to share with U.S. importers, distributors, and buyers about why Electio deserves a place in their gin portfolio?

Electio isn’t just another gin – it’s a premium, authentic spirit from one of Eastern Europe’s most respected single-estate producers. Crafted with balance, depth, and provenance, it offers mixologists versatility and connoisseurs refinement. For U.S. buyers, it represents both differentiation and credibility: a gin with a genuine story, world-class quality, and the full backing of a 128-year-old producer.