Malfy Italian Gin Rosa

Malfy Gin Rosa. Torino Distillati, Moncalieri, Turin, Italy — a naturally pale pink gin distilled with sun-ripened Sicilian pink grapefruit peel and a post-distillation rhubarb distillate, inspired by the colors and light of the Amalfi Coast.

Malfy is made by Torino Distillati in Moncalieri, near Turin, by master distillers Beppe Ronco and Denis Muni. The Rosa expression is built on Malfy's signature method: Sicilian pink grapefruit peels are infused with Italian juniper in Italian grain spirit for 36 hours, then five additional botanicals — lemon peel, grapefruit peel, angelica root, orris root, and coriander — are added and the whole is distilled in a stainless-steel vacuum still for five hours. Vacuum distillation uses lower temperatures than traditional distillation, preserving the delicate volatile aromatics of the citrus that would be lost at higher heat.

What gives Malfy Rosa its distinctly pink color is not rose — despite the name — but a small amount of rhubarb distillate (“rabarbaro” in Italian, a quintessential Italian ingredient also used in Aperol) added after distillation. The rhubarb adds both the blush color and a subtle tartness that lifts and rounds the grapefruit character. The result is a gin that drinks like an Italian aperitivo — bright, citrusy, slightly tart, and utterly refreshing. Best served with premium tonic and a wedge of pink grapefruit.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Pungent and zesty — bright pink grapefruit and rhubarb pie filling lead with rich citrus tang. Subtle juniper in the background alongside white flowers and a touch of lemon peel.
• Palate: Tart and fresh with a burst of zesty pink grapefruit taking center stage. Coriander and juniper emerge to balance the citrus, giving classic gin structure beneath the fruit. Rhubarb notes are more subtle here than on the nose, adding complexity without sweetness.
• Finish: Long, dry, and bright. Zesty grapefruit and a lightly bitter, palate-cleansing spice note linger. Clean and refreshing through the close.

Specs

• Distillery: Torino Distillati, Moncalieri, Turin, Italy
• Style: Italian Citrus Gin
• Distillation: Vacuum distillation (stainless-steel vacuum still)
• Botanicals: Sicilian pink grapefruit peel, Italian juniper, lemon peel, grapefruit peel, angelica root, orris root, coriander; plus rhubarb distillate (added post-distillation for color)
• Color: Naturally pale pink from rhubarb distillate — no artificial coloring
• ABV: 41% (82 Proof)
• Size: 750ml

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Frequently Asked Questions

• What does Malfy Rosa taste like? Pungent pink grapefruit and rhubarb on the nose with subtle juniper and white flowers. The palate is tart and fresh with zesty grapefruit, coriander, and juniper backbone. The finish is long, dry, and bright with a lightly bitter, cleansing close.
• Why is Malfy Rosa pink? The pale pink color comes from a small amount of rhubarb distillate (“rabarbaro”) added after distillation — a classic Italian ingredient also used in Aperol. No artificial coloring is used.
• Does Malfy Rosa contain roses? No — despite the name. Rosa means pink in Italian, referring to the color from the Sicilian pink grapefruit and rhubarb. The gin contains no rose botanicals.
• What cocktails is Malfy Rosa best in? Outstanding in a G&T with premium tonic and a fresh pink grapefruit wedge. Also excellent in a Spritz with Prosecco and soda, or a Rosa Fizz with lemon juice and elderflower.
• What is vacuum distillation? Vacuum distillation lowers the boiling point by reducing pressure, allowing the spirit to distill at much lower temperatures. This preserves delicate volatile citrus aromatics that would be cooked off in traditional distillation, producing a fresher, more vibrant citrus character.