In the lush hills of São Miguel Island in the Azores, the Solar Branco Gin Library is a destination like no other. Set within a beautifully restored 19th-century mansion, this remarkable bar combines the charm of Portugal with the spirit of discovery. Home to the largest gin collection in the European Union, Solar Branco gives visitors an immersive experience that honors craftsmanship, travel, and a love of nature. Guests can sip gin while studying a myriad of bottles that line the shelves, chat with the friendly Gin Library bar tenders, and even say hello to a few resident cats who call this extraordinary place home.
History
Built in 1885, the Solar Branco mansion began its story as a grand family home overlooking the verdant hills of São Miguel, the largest island in the Azores. The estate’s architecture still carries the grace and elegance of the late 19th century, with its thick volcanic stone walls and generous terraces that capture the Atlantic breeze.
Over the decades, the property changed hands and purposes, but its transformation into the Solar Branco Eco Estate marked a new era. Owner Ali Bullock reimagined the mansion as a boutique retreat and creative hub devoted to sustainability and community. His travels around the world inspired the idea of curating a vast collection of gin. We can say that Ali has accomplished his mission with the Gin Library as the collection continues to grow by the day now that guests are encouraged to swap their own bottles for Ali’s locally produced gin (see below).
What started as a personal passion has evolved into one of the most remarkable attractions in the Azores: a living library of spirits that brings together gin from over fifty countries. From the moment guests step through the doors, they are met with rows upon rows of gin bottles. Each one represents a region and flavor that contributes to the global gin narrative.
The Biggest Collection of Gin in the European Union
With over 1,462 bottles and counting, the Solar Branco Gin Library proudly holds the largest gin collection in the European Union and one of the largest in the world. The collection spans continents and cultures from Britain’s traditional distilleries to Japan’s delicate botanical blends. Each bottle is carefully cataloged by the “librarians,” who ensure that the story behind every gin is preserved and shared.
Among the treasures lining the shelves is the locally crafted Baleia Gin, named after the Portuguese word for “whale.” Infused with seaweed and inspired by the marine life surrounding the Azores, this gin symbolizes the estate’s deep connection to the ocean. Every bottle of Baleia supports whale conservation projects across the islands. Visitors are also introduced to the Ghosts of the Ocean gin range, a collection that showcases the spirit of the Atlantic and the creativity of the team behind the bar.
Experiences at the Gin Library
A visit to the Gin Library is about tasting, participation, learning, and connection. Guests can choose from a range of carefully designed experiences that celebrate gin in all its forms.
The Perfect Gin & Tonic Experience
Guided by owner Ali Bullock himself, this experience teaches guests how to prepare the ideal Gin & Tonic. As participants sip their drinks among more than 1,500 bottles, they gain insights into the botanicals, techniques, and travel stories that shaped the collection. Photos and videos are encouraged, where you can capture a memory as distinctive as the drinks themselves.
The Gin Swap
For those who love to share their own discoveries, the Gin Swap is a favorite tradition. Visitors can bring a unique gin from their home country (one not already in the collection) and exchange it for a bottle produced on São Miguel. The rules are simple: it must be a local or craft gin, unopened, and in the standard 50cl to 70cl size range. In this way, guests become part of the growing global community contributing to the Library’s quest for a Guinness World Record.
Gin Flight
For those who can’t choose just one, the Gin Flight offers a curated tasting of three in-house creations including the Ghosts of the Ocean range. Each gin is paired with its ideal tonic and garnish, and the experience includes complimentary snacks. Visitors learn about each blend’s flavor profile and the stories behind them guided by Ali or one of his friendly “librarians.”
Exclusive Editions
The Gin Library also offers limited seasonal releases, such as Senhor Raposa’s Secret Gin Tea, which features Gorreana tea leaves from Europe’s only tea plantation, located right on São Miguel. Guests may also encounter small-batch experiments from The Gin Lab, where feedback helps shape the next generation of Azorean gins.
The Experience of Being There
A visit to Solar Branco is as much about atmosphere as it is about gin. Guests are greeted by the warmth of the staff and the relaxed pace of island life. Each evening, guests can enjoy a complimentary G&T and watch the sunset over the hills of Livramento, just outside Ponta Delgada. It’s a grown-ups-only retreat where conversation flows as easily as the drinks.
One thing is certain. After you come to swap a bottle, learn how to make that perfect G&T, or savor an expertly crafted gin from one of the “librarians,” you’ll leave with a newfound appreciation for the world of gin and this lovely island estate so inspired by it.
