In 2025, the Hierbas Ibicencas Familia Marí Mayans liquor received from Spain’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the award for Best Spirit with a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI). Carlos and Bartolomé Marí Mayans, current owners of this historic distillery, proudly highlight not only the recognition itself, but also their bond with the island, their traditional values and their products. “We want to become a leading international brand, recognised for its authenticity, history and quality”, they state.
History and evolution of the Familia Marí Mayans business
- The history of the Familia Marí Mayans, as a company, began curiously enough in Formentera in the mid-18th century, when their great-great-grandfather started to make and sell Frígola. How did he run that small business, and what other spirits did he go on to produce?
Our story begins in Formentera, where our great-great-grandfather Juan Marí Mayans began making medicinal syrups with the island’s aromatic plants. Frígola was his first great success: he discovered the potential of wild thyme and distilled it into a unique liqueur. That small workshop was the seed of what is now our distillery. Over time, he added other creations such as Palo and the first attempts at what would later become Hierbas. But everything was always based on his knowledge of plants and his drive to seek natural remedies.
- When did the move to Ibiza happen?
The move to Ibiza took place for practical reasons. The island offered better logistical conditions, maritime connections and opportunities for growth. It was a key decision that allowed the company to consolidate, expand production and be closer to the consumer. Since then, Ibiza has been at the heart of our activity.
- The company has evolved, and today you carry out the entire process of production, distillation, maceration and bottling in your Ibiza distillery. What difficulties does this bring on an island like this?
Producing on an island is a daily challenge. Insularity affects transport, the availability of materials and even energy costs. But it is also a great advantage: it allows us to be close to our raw materials, in the middle of nature, and to maintain absolute control over the entire process. We cultivate, harvest, distil and bottle here. Every bottle is 100% Ibiza.
Liqueurs and drinks produced in Ibiza
- Familia Marí Mayans has registered its Hierbas Ibicencas. How important is this fact?
Having the original recipe registered is a guarantee of authenticity. Our Hierbas Ibicencas Familia Marí Mayans are not only pioneers, but also a symbol of quality and tradition. They are the result of many years of trial and error. In addition, our bottle, recognisable by its shape of the silhouette of the traditional Ibizan payesa woman, is patented and is a symbol of authenticity. Registration allows us to protect a formula that has been passed from generation to generation and which remains the soul of our brand.
- Your distillery is always closely linked to these Hierbas Ibicencas, perhaps the best-known liqueur, but you also have another very emblematic spirit: Frígola®. Its first original label dates from 1880 and its official registration was in 1902. Is maintaining this drink in your current catalogue one of your greatest achievements?
Without a doubt. Frígola® was not only our first liqueur, it is also a key part of the gastronomic history of the Pityusic Islands. Distilling Ibizan thyme blossom and combining it with citrus fruits from the island is a tradition we have preserved intact. Its flavour and its history make it a jewel that we proudly defend.
- As we mentioned, your company has several generations of history, but it was you who made the international leap. Was this due to the times you live in, or your own entrepreneurial ambitions?
It has been a mixture of both. We live in a more connected world, and that facilitates expansion. But it was also a personal commitment. From the beginning we were clear that our Hierbas Ibicencas Familia Marí Mayans, Frígola® or our IBZ gins had potential abroad. We chose to be present at international fairs, open new markets and adapt the brand without losing its essence.
- Today, moreover, you have diversified the business. Ibiza is in glasses all over the world not only through your Hierbas Ibicencas, Frígola® and Palo, but also through your gins and, as a novelty, TeqMex tequila. How did this new launch come about?
TeqMex was born from the desire to explore other distilling cultures, without stepping outside our philosophy. We visited Mexico, met small producers in Jalisco and worked side by side to achieve the aromatic profile we were looking for. The result is a reposado tequila with an Ibizan soul, in homage to the journey of the goddess Tanit. On the label she appears as a Catrina, as a symbol of that bridge between two worlds.
- What is TeqMex tequila from Familia Marí Mayans like?
TeqMex is a reposado tequila, matured between three and six months in American oak barrels. It is made especially for us by a small distillery in Jalisco, under our registered brand. It has smooth, balanced notes and a very special personality. It represents our way of understanding spirits: respect for the origin, but with our own distinctive touch. When we receive the distillate, we blend it with demineralised water in our distillery and bottle it, thus obtaining a reposado tequila of great quality and with an astonishing price–quality ratio.
- Taking advantage of the richness of the Ibizan countryside, you have also launched IBIZEN infusions. What does this type of product bring to your brand? Another way of accompanying the after-dinner experience?
IBIZEN infusions are the most natural version of our essence. We cultivate our aromatic plants in the countryside of Sant Miquel de Balansat and dry, clean and pack them without adding anything else. It is another way of enjoying the same ingredients that we use for our liqueurs, but in a gentler, healthier and more everyday way.
- And following in your path of diversifying your products, you also sell ANaCleta salts, which you extract from the Ses Salines Natural Park. What characteristics do they have?
ANaCleta salt is 100% natural, harvested by hand in the Ses Salines Natural Park. We offer coarse sea salt and fleur de sel, which is obtained with more care and contains more minerals such as potassium and magnesium and less sodium. It is a tribute to local produce, and it also plays with its name: ANaCleta comes from NaCl, the formula for sodium chloride.
- Do you have any new projects underway, or in mind?
Yes, we continue to constantly improve our aromatic plantations in Sant Miquel de Balansat, because they are the basis of almost everything we do. We are also developing new alcohol-free formulas and gourmet proposals that allow us to continue growing consistently without losing our essence.
Familia Marí Mayans
- Telephone: +34 971 10 35 74
