I know I usually crack on about avocado or the right ways to eat seafood, but this edition is going to be a little different. Australia is really getting a name for itself in the spirits industry – not only do we produce some of the world’s best whisky, but in my opinion, some of the world’s best gin! Now that I’ve got you in the spirit (…sorry), I want to touch on my passion for gin.

For those who don’t know a lot about gin, the basics are simple. You start with a base spirit alcohol made from fruit, sugar or grains (usually flavourless), and add that into what is essentially a giant kettle with a collection of seeds, berries, nuts, herbs, flowers, the list goes on! These additives are called botanicals, with juniper being the main flavour profile and the legal necessity for calling your spirit a gin. We crank the kettle (or ‘still’) up to boiling temperature and collect the steam, which then becomes liquid again. The end result is gin!

So what’s the difference between stock standard and boutique craft gin? Essentially it comes down to three main factors; the quality of the products going into the gin blend, the type of gin you’re making (dry, modern, sweet) and most importantly, the choice of botanicals.

This is where Australian gin stands out for its beautiful, complex flavour profile. Aussie distillers are great at coming up with innovative ways of using our natural resources, especially our native botanicals. Distilleries around the country use an array of these in their blends to create flavour profiles that are unique to Australia, and often also to the locality of the distillery.

Using these ingredients not only adds to the complexity of the gin’s flavour profile, but is a great way to connect distilleries, restaurants and bars, and of course the drinker to the place of origin and the people who make the spirit. This ethos is also extremely important to contributing to local tourism and the Australian brand, held in high regard internationally.

As a gin distiller, this is a significant part of what makes this a passion for me, rather than just a job. At 7k Distillery here in Brighton, just north of Hobart we head out to the Tasmanian Highlands and forage for our own ingredients. This helps us create a unique signature blend for our gin, Aqua Vitae Modern Gin, as well as paying homage to the beautiful state it comes from.

 

“Often, the bartender will just swing over the post mix gun and smash the (T) button, generally while avoiding eye contact at all costs. Voila: a glass of post-mixed tonic water and a chunk of lemon or lime (fruit flies optional).”

 

Native pepperberry, wild fennel, strawberry eucalyptus and kunzea are just a few of the wild ingredients we can find in our region. Others include saltbush, honey, and even wakame seaweed.

The possibilities are endless when it comes to creating gin blends; which is what makes Australian gins so special, and why it is so important to support our nation’s distilleries by buying Australian made.

 

Let’s talk less and drink more!

Now that I’ve hopefully inspired you to head down to your local bar and try an Australian gin, consider your serving options. Often, the bartender will just swing over the post mix gun and smash the (T) button, generally while avoiding eye contact at all costs. Voila: a glass of post-mixed tonic water and a chunk of lemon or lime (fruit flies optional).

The question is, why would you put a sub-standard product into a glass with a beautifully crafted spirit? There are so many well-crafted tonic waters available these days, and most distilleries also have a recommended garnish that they have meticulously tried and tested for the best possible pairing. (Ask your bartender!)

The second most popular way to enjoy Australian gin is in a cocktail, so let’s jump straight into a recipe. This one is simple enough to make at home, and is a real hit at parties.

 

The Ginderflower

• 45ml Aqua Vitae Modern Gin (or similar)

• 20ml elderflower liqueur or cordial

• 120ml cranberry juice

• wedge of lime

1. Muddle the lime in the glass half of a cocktail shaker, then add your gin and elderberry liqueur. Now shake until well mixed.

2. Pop in your cranberry juice and stir gently.

3. Strain this into the fanciest glass you own and pop a little flower in there for garnish.

4. Drink and repeat!