Produced by Bar Pisani in Italy, PaNico Parakeet is a London Dry Gin that takes one of the spirits world's most established styles and steers it in an unexpected direction. While many contemporary gins rely heavily on citrus, juniper, or overt floral notes, PaNico Parakeet builds its character around a more intricate and layered flavour profile, drawing on Mediterranean influences and a distinct sense of place.

That approach was recognised on the international stage at the 2026 London Spirits Competition, where PaNico Parakeet was awarded 97 points and a Double Gold Medal. The result placed it among the highest-scoring spirits in the competition and established it as one of the standout gin entries of the year.

Image: PaNico Parakeet. Source: PaNico Spirits.

What makes PaNico Parakeet particularly compelling is not simply its quality, but its willingness to depart from convention.

According to the judges' tasting notes from the London Spirits Competition, the gin combines saline marine notes with sage, basil, black tea, and liquorice. Candied orange peel adds sweetness and lift, while the palate remains smooth and integrated despite the breadth of flavours on display. The finish unfolds with subtle floral and mineral nuances that linger gracefully rather than fading away abruptly. This is a gin built on balance.

The marine salinity brings freshness and a coastal character. Herbal notes from sage and basil contribute aromatic complexity and a distinctly Mediterranean feel. Black tea adds texture and depth, while liquorice introduces a darker, more savoury layer. Candied orange peel ties these elements together, providing sweetness without disrupting the spirit's structure.

The result is a gin that rewards attention. It works comfortably in a classic gin and tonic, yet possesses enough complexity to invite slower, more considered drinking. Each botanical appears carefully integrated into the whole rather than competing for prominence, allowing the flavour profile to evolve steadily across the palate.

From a stylistic perspective, PaNico Parakeet reflects a broader movement within the modern gin category. While London Dry Gin remains one of the most tightly defined spirits styles, producers continue to explore ways of expressing local identity and distinctive botanical choices while remaining faithful to the category's framework. PaNico Parakeet demonstrates how innovation and tradition can coexist successfully.

Its success at the London Spirits Competition suggests that judges recognised more than technical excellence. They recognised originality supported by precision. Complex spirits can easily become fragmented or overworked, yet the competition's tasting panel specifically highlighted the gin's smooth integration and balance. That combination of creativity and execution is often what separates truly memorable spirits from those that are simply unconventional.

For trade buyers, bartenders, and spirits enthusiasts, PaNico Parakeet offers something increasingly difficult to find in a crowded gin market: a genuine point of difference. It retains the structure expected of a London Dry Gin while introducing saline, herbal, tea-driven, and mineral dimensions that are rarely encountered together in a single expression.

Image: (From L to R) Alex, Paola Andriola, Jack and Nico Lopero at Distilleria Mezzanotte produce PaNico Parakeet. Source: PaNico Spirits

At a time when new gins continue to enter the market at a rapid pace, PaNico Parakeet distinguishes itself by delivering a clearly defined sensory experience rather than another variation on a familiar formula. Its 97-point Double Gold performance in London reinforces what the tasting notes already suggest: this is a gin with a strong identity, crafted with confidence, precision, and a clear sense of purpose.

Not every gin seeks to challenge convention. PaNico Parakeet does. That willingness to explore new territory is precisely what makes it memorable.

Header Image: Nico Lopero and Paolo Andriolo, founders of PaNico Parakeet. Source: PaNico Spirits

Also Read:
CandeGIN: Reimagining London Dry Gin Through Design and Botanical Expression
How Spirits Brands Use Awards to Sell More Bottles