Meet Ruggero Raymo, co-founder of PORTOFINO DRY GIN

RUGGERO RAYMO, FOUNDER OF PORTOFINO DRY GIN

Ruggero Raymo

"Our bottle is the protagonist of this multisensory journey that tells the story of the dolce vita of Portofino."

27 March 2024

A refined spirit with a Mediterranean essence. It took nothing less to reflect the beauty of Portofino.

How did the idea of PORTOFINO DRY GIN come about?

It all began in 2017 during an aperitif at Ugo's on the Piazzetta of Portofino. That's where we decided to build a project based on three pillars. We wanted to create a gin that tells our story, that of the people of Portofino, and that of my grandfather Klaus, who played an essential role in preserving Portofino during World War II. In the 1950s and 1960s, he also organised parties that everyone still remembers today. We also wanted to create a product that highlights the terroir and cuisine of Liguria, while ensuring the bottle celebrates the beauty of the Portofino landscape.

What makes PORTOFINO an Avant-Gardist?

Several factors make Portofino Dry Gin avant-garde. Firstly, its distillation process, which combines traditional and innovative methods. It is indeed crafted using an old copper still but also with cutting-edge technology, the rotavapor, which operates vacuum distillation, preserving the aromas of our most delicate botanicals. Our brand strategy is also avant-garde.

"Today, it's not enough to have a good product or a beautiful bottle; it's also essential to tell an authentic story to connect with the consumer. That's why we wanted to create a lifestyle brand that builds bridges between different worlds."

As for our bottle, it is the protagonist of this multisensory journey that tells the story of the dolce vita of Portofino. The eco-responsible dimension was also essential. Our brand is committed to environmental protection by collaborating with charities such as the One Ocean Foundation and One Tree Planted. We also advocate for our vision of fine cuisine with Chefs for Life, which promotes Italian gastronomic culture.

What were you doing before? What led you to delve into the spirits industry?

I have a background in sports, having worked in the industry for nearly a decade for sports institutions such as the Laureus World Sports Awards, Eurosport, and AC Milan, always in the partnership and sponsorship department. The pursuit of synergies and building bridges between completely different sectors has always been an exciting challenge for me. I have applied all of these experiences to the development of Portofino Dry Gin. My partners also come from completely different industries. Chris Egger comes from the world of startups and streetwear, and Alessandro Briolo from the hospitality industry. We fell in love with the world of spirits because we love exploring new tastes and sensations. The idea of creating something unique and leaving our mark in such a creative and competitive world motivates us every day. It's a blend of passion for craftsmanship, curiosity, and a desire to leave a legacy that has brought us here.

Tell us about your first memory of tasting gin.

My most memorable gin-related memory is undoubtedly of my mother preparing Gin Tonics for her guests on the terrace of our house in Portofino during my adolescence. I believe that's also when I tasted gin for the first time.

What is your favourite cocktail, and place to enjoy it?

I'm very classic: just a simple Portofino Dry Gin and Tonic. It's a very floral, refreshing, and harmonious cocktail, perfect for enjoying on the famous Piazzetta of Portofino.