Since I published the first two instalments of ‘The Genius of Craft Gin Producers’ I have had many in depth conversations about this fascinating subject. Certainly, I can see why it appeals to people of so many ages. This is there are specialist gin bars opening in every provincial city in the world. While writing these article I have been able to test a broad range of varieties. The essence, complexity and aromas are completely unique to each particular brand. If you have never tried this amazing spirit before then I highly recommend rectifying that in the very near future.
Here are five more innovative distilleries that are really pushing the boundaries of fine craft gin making.
Adelaide Hills Distillery
The Adelaide Hills Distillery is located in the central business district of Adelaide, South Australia. However, a fantastic architecturally designed cellar door is currently under construction in the picturesque Hay Valley. The business was originally founded by local winemaker Sacha La Forgia in 2014. In 2015 the company launched a product called the 78˚ Gin that was awarded a gold medal at the prestigious 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. However, I was more intrigued to try their mind blowing Green Ant Gin which is a collaboration with Something Wild.
For more information about Adelaide Hills Distillery visit the company’s website: https://www.adelaidehillsdistillery.com.au
Sullivans Cove Distillery
Sullivans Cove Distillery is a specialist boutique craft producer located in Cambridge, Tasmania, Australia. The business was originally founded in 1994 but has really gained international recognition in 2004 when head distiller Patrick Maguire took the helm. In 2014 their French Oak cask HH0525 acknowledged as the world’s Best Single Malt Whisky at the prestigious World Whiskies Awards. Impressively, the company also make a range of other high quality spirits including a phenomenal Single Malt Gin called the Hobart No.4. What makes this gin so special is the delicate combination of four native Australian botanicals (lemon myrtle, anise myrtle, wattleseed and Tasmanian pepperberry).
For more information about Sullivans Cove Distillery visit the company’s website: https://www.sullivanscove.com
McHenry Distillery
McHenry Distillery is the world’s southernmost family run distillery. The business is located on the side of Mount Arthur in the picturesque Tasman Peninsula region of Australia. Impressively the company takes full advantage of an abundance of spring water and exceptionally pure air. This means that all their spirits have a clean, crisp and distinctive taste. As well as producing some exquisite whiskey’s they also craft some amazing gins. Within the range you can find exciting varieties like Classic London Dry, Barrel Aged, Navy Strength and my personal favourite the delicious Sloe Gin.
For more information about McHenry Distillery
visit the company’s website: https://mchenrydistillery.com.au
Husk Distillers
Husk Distillers is a boutique beverage manufacturer located in the Tweed Valley on the North Coast of New South Wales (near Byron Bay). The business was established by innovator Paul Messenger and his family in 2012. Since then they have forged a solid reputation for themselves within the craft spirit community. Their ‘pièce de résistance’ is a product aptly named Ink Gin, which took over three years to develop. As well as tasting absolutely superb it also has a distinctive blue colour derived from a Thai flower called the Buttterfly Pea (Clitoria ternatea).
For more information about Husk Distillers visit the company’s website: https://huskdistillers.com
Baker Williams Distillery
Baker Williams Distillery is a micro brand located in the popular gourmet location of Mudgee, New South Wales, Australia. The business was established in 2012 by dynamic partners Helen Baker and Nathan Williams. Both are passionate about fine spirits and essentially creating extraordinary products for the discerning consumer. A great example is an exotic gin called Gin XLCR which combines native botanicals like juniper, coriander, cumquat, orange, cinnamon myrtle and cassia. However, if you prefer something sweeter they also have a large variety of tantalising liquors on offer.
For more information about Baker Williams Distillery visit the company’s website: http://www.bakerwilliams.com.au
