And the best way to drink them, according to our in-house gin expert.
It’s official: we’re seriously spoilt for choice when it comes to gin made in our own backyard. There’s been a slew of impressive local distilleries and gin brands that have landed on the market in the past decade, thanks to a gigantic gin renaissance sweeping the globe (or at least the countries that really like their liquor). And the thing that has come to set Australian gin apart from – and often worlds above – its traditional English counterpart is older than Australia itself: our indigenous botanicals.
Australia is home to some truly wonderful and unique botanicals such as pepperberry, anise and lemon myrtles, lemon aspen, davidson plum, desert lime and bush tomato, and many of them thrive when paired with the piney character of juniper. This has given Australian gin producers endless opportunities for experimentation, and the results range from classic with a twist, to entirely new gin experiences.
We’re exploring five of the best local gins currently on offer, so we called upon Nicole Kimlin, our in-house gin expert, to give you some gin-spiration when it comes to unique ways of enjoying them. She’s worked in the liquor industry for 15 years, having joined Dan's in 2018 as a Product Expert at the Prahran Cellar and now working as a Category Assistant in our Spirits Team. She's been an associate judge for the Australian Distilled Spirits Awards for five years and is often referred to as a "Spirit Guide" by her customers, so it’s safe to say you’re in very, very good hands here.
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1. Ink Gin
In 2012, distiller Paul Messenger began experimenting with the curious colour-changing properties of an exotic flowering legume from Thailand known as the butterfly pea. Three years later, he released Ink Gin – a unique craft gin with a striking, deep blue-purple colour that becomes even more intriguing once you add mixers. The first of its kind, Ink Gin is made in small batches from 100% Australian wheat, purified water (that originally fell as rain over volcanic rocks, no less), and 13 organic botanicals. The specially prepared petals of the butterfly pea flower are infused for twenty-four hours, as the final step before hand bottling.
Not only does the flower naturally give Ink Gin its distinctive colour, it also contributes to the gin’s smooth taste and long refreshing finish. A little chemistry lesson is required to understand Ink Gin’s signature attraction: butterfly pea flowers are highly sensitive to pH, so when Ink Gin is mixed with something of low pH (like gin’s best buds tonic water, lemon and lime), the colour changes dramatically from blue to blush pink. Science at its best, right?
How to enjoy it, according to our gin expert Nicole: “In a Southside. Gin, lemon juice and simple syrup make up this simple cocktail. Marvel at the magic that occurs as soon as you add the lemon juice, then drink up.”
2. Four Pillars Rare Dry Gin
With their destination distillery and tasting room in Victoria’s Yarra Valley, the Four Pillars name has become synonymous with Australian gin over the past decade. It’s their sole focus, and one they do exceptionally well. So well, in fact, that they were named the world’s leading gin producer in 2019 and 2020 by the International Wine & Spirit Competition, a supremely high honour in the industry. From humble beginnings in 2013 with just three mates and one special German copper still (named Wilma), it’s certainly been a fast ride to the top.
The Rare Dry Gin is Four Pillar’s original gin and was crafted to represent their idea of contemporary Australia: classic and approachable, with a balance of spice and smoothness. It combines their nine signature botanicals, including native lemon myrtle and Tassie pepper as well as Asian spices, plus their signature whole orange, which adds a highly aromatic character and warmth. Though it is technically a dry gin, it’s not to be confused with a London dry, like Tanqueray. The purposeful use of an array of unique botanicals means it avoids that strong hit of piney juniper, and instead has a more robust, deeper character.
How to enjoy it, according to Nicole: “Mix up a pre-dinner Negroni, European style. This gin really holds its own when competing with the robust flavours of Campari and sweet vermouth.”
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3. Archie Rose Distilling Co. Signature Dry Gin
With a mission to expand people’s knowledge and appreciation of spirits, Archie Rose produces a diverse range of whiskies, gins, vodkas and rums, as well as one-off collaborations and limited releases. When they launched in Sydney in 2015, they were the first independent distillery to open in the city in over 160 years. Now Australia’s most highly awarded distillery across the board, they continue to push the limits with the goal of filling many more pages in the history books of Australia’s rich distilling culture.
The Signature Dry Gin is a quintessentially Australian gin, made so by its inclusion of native botanicals including blood lime, ethically sourced river mint, fresh lemon myrtle and hand-foraged dorrigo pepperleaf. These are then combined with other classic gin botanicals, which have all been individually distilled in separate infusion pots. This special attention to detail results in a crowd-favourite gin with a deliciously simple taste that belies its complexity.
How to enjoy it, according to Nicole: “In a classic Martini. A good measure of this well-balanced gin, with a drizzle of vermouth, is perfect for a nightcap at the end of the day.”
4. Adelaide Hills Distillery 78 Degrees Small Batch Gin
Founded in 2014 by a seasoned winemaker turned distiller, 78 Degrees Distillery has always been focused on how they can continue to ‘craft better’. From the quality of their product, to sustainable environmental practices to nurturing a connection to their local community, this Adelaide Hills distillery has the purest of intentions. The name relates to the boiling point of alcohol, with 78 degrees being the sweet spot at which distillation happens. It’s also the point at which all of the botanicals for their gin are extracted, which is much lower than other distilleries.
Their Small Batch Gin is vapour-distilled using a unique column and basket method, which retains the delicate flavours and aromas of 12 botanicals selected specifically for their purity and quality. The result is a gloriously aromatic spirit, with notes of citrus, florals and a subtle underlying spice. Awarded gold at the Australian Distilled Spirits Awards in 2020, you can taste the dedication to excellence in every drop.
How to enjoy it, according to Nicole: “A simple gin & tonic. Don't go too heavy on the tonic water, so you can taste the gin in all its glory.”
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5. Pink Gin &
Blush-coloured gin made its grand entrance onto the scene a few years ago, and this trending drink doesn’t look like it's going anywhere anytime soon. Gin makes a fantastic base to layer upon so, with no rule book to abide by, producers have taken to experimenting with gusto. Sydney-based brand Ampersand Projects joined the party in 2020 with the launch of their own, Pink Gin &. A fun and flirty spirit, it’s made up of locally distilled gin and a mix of natural wild berry flavours.
Disrupting the market and immediately gaining popularity with their simple premix beverages, Ampersand originally kicked off in 2018 with classic vodka & soda and gin & soda in aluminum cans. They added the crisp, berry-flavoured Pink Gin & to their lineup in both mixer form – with soda in a can – and on its own. This 500mL bottle is perfect for mixing cocktails at home, and will add a hit of colour to any of your favourites. If you’re not sure whether you like gin, this could be the one to change your mind – Pink Gin & is clean and floral, without any of the heavy juniper notes that can be a dealbreaker for some.
How to enjoy it, according to Nicole: “In a pink gin spritz! Equal parts gin and lemonade, top up with your favourite prosecco and garnish with lots of fresh berries.”
