Paris Panayiotou: The Distiller

TEXT: ROMINA XYDA / PHOTOS: PANAGIOTIS MINA

The man behind a gin born in Pafos – one that captures the Mediterranean in every note through herbs, sun and a hint of sea salt, all expressed with balance and a distinct character.

Raised in the world of hospitality, Paris’ relationship with flavour has always been deeply experiential. His first venture took shape in Kato Pafos, where he opened his own restaurant. It was there, through the rhythm of daily creation, that an idea began to form, one that would ultimately define his next chapter. “As early as 2019, my love for premium spirits evolved into a vision: to create an ultra-premium gin infused with Mediterranean flavours. During the 2020 lockdown, I finally had the time to put it into practice. I bought a small still and began my first distillations, experimenting with Cypriot botanicals.”

Four years later, that vision has taken tangible form. “At a blind tasting with friends, my gin stood out, and that’s when I realised I had found the right foundation.” From that point on, the concept moved into its final stage. In collaboration with an experienced distiller, the recipe was refined, the balance perfected, and the identity of Siren Gin fully realised. The first 1,200 numbered bottles marked not just a launch, but the culmination of a journey built on dedication and persistence.

Today, in Stroumbi, Pafos, production remains intentionally limited and meticulously controlled, with absolute respect for raw ingredients. “We are not interested in mass production. We want to appeal to those who recognise the value of a handcrafted, ultra-premium product. That’s why our choice of botanicals is never random: lemon verbena, thyme, olive leaves, basil, orange and lemon peel – all organic, all sourced from local producers. I wanted a gin that truly expresses Cyprus in both aroma and character.”

Recognition soon followed. In 2025, Siren Gin was awarded a silver medal at the International Wine & Spirit Competition. “It’s one of the most demanding competitions in the world – the Olympics of the spirit industry. It was a moment of pride, but also a meaningful confirmation that what we created holds real value.”