PONTA DELGADA HISTORY TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Behind the Shelves at Solar Branco: An Intimate Gin Masterclass in Ponta Delgada
A 90-minute, expert-led tasting inside The Gin Library and Senhor Raposa’s Secret Drinking Den that traces gin’s craft and modern renaissance while sampling three Azorean expressions.
Behind the Shelves at Solar Branco: An Intimate Gin Masterclass in Ponta Delgada.
At Solar Branco Eco Estate in Ponta Delgada, the Azorean Gin Masterclass unfolds amid shelves that hold one of the world’s largest gin collections. In a tucked-away speakeasy known as Senhor Raposa’s Secret Drinking Den, a Gin Librarian leads a focused, small-group session that pairs three Azorean gins with tailored tonics and garnishes and explains the craft and history of gin.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A Library of Gins
The Gin Library’s stacks hold more than 2,500 bottles from 80 countries, creating an evocative backdrop for a tasting that places local Azorean bottlings within a global context.
Three Azorean Serves, Expertly Paired
Guests taste three gins from the Ghosts of The Ocean range, each served with a chosen tonic and garnish to illuminate its profile while the session covers what defines gin and the distinctions between styles such as London Dry.
An Intimate, Conservation-Minded Session
The masterclass is held in the hidden speakeasy and led by a Gin Librarian (expert Ali Bullock is a named guide), limited to just ten guests, and every pour supports marine conservation via donations to the Ocean Azores Foundation.
What the day feels like
What the Masterclass Feels Like
Over 90 minutes, the experience moves from an orientation inside The Gin Library into Senhor Raposa’s Secret Drinking Den, where a Gin Librarian guides a compact group through gin’s craft, the modern renaissance of the spirit, how gins are made, and the principles of a balanced Gin & Tonic before leading a focused tasting of three Azorean expressions.
THE COLLECTION
A Library of Gins
The Gin Library’s stacks hold more than 2,500 bottles from 80 countries, creating an evocative backdrop for a tasting that places local Azorean bottlings within a global context.
THE TASTING
Three Azorean Serves, Expertly Paired
Guests taste three gins from the Ghosts of The Ocean range, each served with a chosen tonic and garnish to illuminate its profile while the session covers what defines gin and the distinctions between styles such as London Dry.
THE SETTING
An Intimate, Conservation-Minded Session
The masterclass is held in the hidden speakeasy and led by a Gin Librarian (expert Ali Bullock is a named guide), limited to just ten guests, and every pour supports marine conservation via donations to the Ocean Azores Foundation.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this masterclass suits — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The masterclass runs for 90 minutes and is delivered as a single, indoor session inside The Gin Library and its speakeasy.
This is an indoor tasting in a library/speakeasy setting; the operator does not list special equipment requirements for participants.
The session is intentionally small and intimate; confirm any accessibility needs with the operator in advance.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the masterclass?
The experience lasts 90 minutes.
Where does the tasting take place?
The masterclass takes place inside The Gin Library and the hidden speakeasy known as Senhor Raposa’s Secret Drinking Den at Solar Branco Estate in Ponta Delgada.
How many gins will we taste?
You will taste three gins from the Ghosts of The Ocean range, each paired with a complementary tonic and garnish.
Is there a guest limit?
Yes—sessions are limited to just ten guests to keep the setting intimate.
Are children allowed?
No—this is strictly an adults-only experience; children under 16 and babies are not permitted anywhere on site.
Does the operator support conservation?
Every pour supports marine conservation via a donation to the Ocean Azores Foundation.