THE POINTY END
LIFTING OUR SPIRITS T he ol Barsto
T
he world knows all about our wine and our beers are stretching their legs, being enjoyed across the globe. Now, our spirits are rising up and taking their place on the world stage. With the list of spirit makers growing, here are a few rising stars putting their mark on the Australian spirit scene and enticing you to explore the world of distilling.
Brix Distillers – NSW Rum has held a special, but dark, place in the story of Australian drinks. The team behind Brix Distillers is saluting this murky history and giving it a bright future with their freshly minted rum distillery in the heart of Sydney’s Surry Hills. With three house rums – white, gold and spiced – made on-site, alongside over 150 rums from around the world, Brix’s open bar and kitchen is already a hit. Its menu is inspired by South American flavours designed to complement the drinks menu. Grab a bite, sip on a cocktail, watch the distillery in action and rediscover a classic spirit. brixdistillers.com
Australia is having a spirits renaissance as local distillers turn out world-beating gins, vodkas and whiskies.
Manly Spirits Co. – NSW Positioned neatly on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, Manly Spirits Co. was born from a passion to create distinctive Australian spirits that capture the carefree beach life and coastal influence. Their unique range of gins, vodkas and whiskies combine science, innovation and a large dose of the “Australian way,” which you quickly feel upon entering the tasting room and looking out over the distillery. The “steam punk” copper pot stills have been designed to deliver a smooth, balanced and bold range of superior Australian spirits. You’ll be able to taste the coast in each sip. manlyspirits.com.au
Underground Spirits – ACT A doctor turns distiller. Not an everyday occurrence. But when a fertility specialist turns distiller, you can bet innovation will follow. At Underground Spirits, owner Toby has turned his knowledge of crystals (a key part of his former profession) towards innovating the cold filtration of spirits. After much experimentation, Toby came up with a sub-zero, sub-micron cryofiltration process that eliminates impurities earlier than other distillation
techniques, giving his spirits undeniably smooth character and eliminating the alcohol burn you usually feel when you drink a straight spirit. undergroundspirits.com.au
Bellarine Distillery – VIC Housed within a former chicken farm and watering hole for stagecoaches, The Whiskery is the cellar door for Bellarine Distillery. Fully renovated, the former farm shed is a rustic and inviting space to enjoy the Bellarine Distillery’s gin, Teddy & The Fox – an aromatic blend of six botanicals creating a beautiful sipping gin that also makes a great G&T. In time, the whisky will be ready, but for now visit The Whiskery and take a seat on the deck surrounded by the gardens and juniper plantation with a sipping spirit. bellarinedistillery.com.au There’s a new-world distillery just waiting for you to discover on your own or on a tour with Dave’s at daves.com.au.
MEET THE AUTHOR Dave Phillips is a drinks travel expert and the Dave in Dave’s Brewery Tours. When not touring local drink production houses, he’s surfing.
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