Gin comes in all flavours and colours, but it’s rare these days to come across a gin that hasn’t been seen before. Here are some of the most unique Australian gins that push the boundaries of botanicals.
If the rise of craft gin has taught us anything, it’s how creative distillers can be. Australian gin has to feature juniper berries, and the half-scientist, half-artist brains at these distilleries have come up with some amazing things.
The dizzying array of styles, flavours and colours that line shop and bar shelves illustrates the spirit’s versatility – seemingly endless. For years, flavours such as cardamom, angelica and star anise have been favourites among gin distillers.
But beyond the regular ingredients we see on botanical lists, and even some more exotic additions like the varieties of myrtle that many Australian distilleries are tapping into, we’ve spotted a few gins that are really pushing the boundaries with botanicals.
Botanica Winery Pearl Crushed Gin—40% alcohol
Magic Touch: Crushed Pearls
Pearl Crush Gin is made by the internationally acclaimed Philip Moore and is distilled using crushed Akoya pearls from Broken Bay Pearl Farm on the Hawkesbury River in New South Wales, as well as pink grapefruit, Valencia oranges and blood oranges grown in the nearby town of Kunulla.
Other botanicals are added to the mix, such as pink roses and pink rosemary from Distillery Botanica’s own gardens in Erina on the Central Coast, making this not only a unique and extraordinary gin, but also a local gin.
Tasting Notes
In terms of aroma, Moore’s Pearl Crush Gin is light, bright, and has a juniper flavor. The drink also has a savory and lightly floral flavor. The first sip is delicate and tingling on the tongue, followed by more juniper, bright citrus, and a luxurious finish.
I’m not quite sure what effect the crushed pearls have on this gin. Is the richness due to this exotic ingredient, or does the pearls add to the fine mineral structure that can be detected in this gin?
Regardless, this is a beautifully made gin that is versatile enough to work in any gin cocktail. It’s also sophisticated enough to make a great martini, with vermouth being little more than an afterthought.
Bondi Spirits Acai Super Gin—37.5% alcohol
Magic Touch: Acai Berry
Located behind the popular 44 North cocktail bar at 15 O’Brien Street, Bondi Beach, Bondi Spirits Company Distillery has created a superfood take on some of our favourite spirits!
Adding acai, a berry that contains more antioxidants than blueberries or cranberries, is said to lower blood sugar levels, reduce swelling, and stimulate the immune system.
It tastes good too, which goes against most things that are good for you!
Acai berries are added after distillation to preserve the flavor, color, and nutrients of this superfood.
Tasting Notes
When you smell this unique gin, juniper berries blend pleasantly with dark berries and a hint of vanilla, and these aromas continue into your palate as well.
Acai berries add a rich, full-bodied taste to the gin, while the tartness of the berries and the stewed green tea flavors counteract the lingering sweetness. A hint of orange citrus makes the finish of this gin even more memorable.
Serve it on the rocks, with gin and tonic, soda water and prosecco, or even as a summer cocktail.
A Touch of Magic: Davidson Plum and Passionfruit
Named after Martin ‘Brookie’ Brook, who with his wife Pam purchased an old dairy on the site of what is now the Cape Byron Distillery, the distillery’s gin range includes some superb handcrafted spirits.
Slow Passion Gin is a twist on the classic Brookie’s Byron Dry Gin, with Davidson plums and passion fruit steeped and macerated for months to create this delicious gin.
CEO and head winemaker Eddie Brooke (Pam and Martin’s son) then blends water from nearby Mount Warning Springs to bring the alcohol down to 26% before bottling.
Tasting Notes
There’s an herbal citrus scent – really, it’s the scent of Davidson plums, come to think of it – and a rich juniper aroma.
Tastingly, this gin is very similar to classic sloe gin, but a little darker, richer and spicier. It has a dark molasses note – passion fruit, perhaps – that develops towards the mid-palate, but it’s not the sweet, syrupy drink I was expecting. Very memorable and well made.
If you want to really elevate your Negroni, this is the secret. We are talking about “Blackthorn” hereadding Brookie’s Slow Passion Gin to your mixes will not only lower the ABV, but also add incredible depth of flavor, texture and color. You’re welcome!
