THE SPIRITS OF THE NORTHERN RIVERS

THE SPRITS OF THE NORTHERN RIVERS

WRITTEN BY: KYLIE MITCHELL-SMITH

There is a spirit to the Bundjalung Country in Northern NSW, it’s a feeling that flows from the ground up. Nestled in the lush surrounds of an ancient, shield volcano with fertile red soil that grows an abundance of produce from the valley to the coast.

Home to a plethora of independent distilleries, producing Australia’s first Agricole rums, vibrant botanical gins, and honey vodka, Northern Rivers is fast becoming one of the most desirable locations in the land. (As voted at the 2021 Delicious, Harvey Norman Produce Awards for most outstanding region) We’ve gathered a list of local distilleries to tempt your palate; independently owned and operated, the spirits of the Northern Rivers are unique in flavour and embody the rich terroir of the region.

Husk Distillery

HUSK DISTILLERY

Husk Distillers is the home of the renowned Ink Gin, that starts off ink blue and changes to a blush pink hue by adding a splash of tonic or citrus. Made famous by Margot Robbie who put Husk on the map when she posted a photo to her adoring fans. Husk created Australia’s first Agricole rum, from their farm paddock direct to the bottle. The distillery grows an abundance of sugar cane which is threaded through the Husk collection, such as Bam Bam Spiced Rum and Husk Botanic - a rum for the gin drinker. Husk is located on the banks of the Tweed River with the majestic Wollumbin Mountain over yonder, in the quaint valley town of Tumbulgum. A popular destination, the exposed brick building is adorned by sculptured gardens, lush green acres, and a plantation-style fit out. Distillery tours and tastings and Plantation Café operate daily from Wednesday to Sunday.

Husk Distillery

DOS DRAGONE DISTILLERY

Locally owned and operated Dos Dragone Distillery are the makers of the popular Stoken Gin. A small batch brewery with aptly named spirits like ‘XII Apostles’ and ‘Here Be Dragons’, infused with botanicals such as locally grown dragon fruit. Nestled on Cudgera Creek Northern NSW the native flora gives the gin a distinct full flavour. Bursting with bright colours Stoken Gin has become a cocktail staple at local bars and is available from independent bottle shops throughout the region. Expertly distilled from a small copper still fondly called ‘Rasputin’, Dos Dragone Distillery has cemented itself as a popular spirit for the Tweed Region.

Soltera Rum

SOLTERA RUM

Handcrafted in Cabarita, Soltera Rum is female owned and operated by a Tweed local. Makers of the fresh rum ‘Blanco’ which, with its pure, clean taste, is an ideal mixer for finger lime mojitos or tangy piña coladas, Soltera style. An unaged rum infused in oak barrels with tasting notes from the Caribbean to Cabarita. Soltera Rum conjures up images of dreamy days sipping sunset cocktails at beachside bars.

BYRON BAY SPIRITS

BYRON BAY SPIRITS

Harvested and handcrafted in the Byron Hinterland, Byron Bay Spirits distills an array of spirits and liqueurs as nature intended. From coffee liqueurs to tasty limoncello, to a delicious honey infused vodka and gin. A small batch distillery curated by master distillers, to create flavours that celebrate the richness of the region. Lovingly blended with the farm honey from Byron Bees, Byron Bay Spirits can be found in an array of local hot spots.

CAPE BYRON DISTILLERY

CAPE BYRON DISTILLERY

Cape Byron Distillery is home to the popular Brookie’s Gin and more recently they launched their first distilled whisky, a collaboration with local brewer Stone & Wood. Take a ‘tour and taste’ of the distillery, which is set in a subcontinent rainforest, perched high above Byron Bay, nestled in the heart of the Brook families’ macadamia farm. The award-winning collection includes Brookie’s Byron Slow Gin, a dry gin and a macadamia and wattleseed liqueur. Recently joining the B-corp community, Cape Byron Distillery are setting the standards for sustainability and ethical practises.

LORD BYRON DISTILLERY

Family owned with a passion for the local terroir Lord Byron infuses their spirits with natural botanics sourced from producers across the region. A collection of world class spirits that engages ethical and sustainable practices, including a 12-year aged, spiced rum and a silver cane white spirit. Priding themselves on 100 percent renewable energy and zero waste, the cellar door is located in Byron’s Industrial Estate and is open Tuesday-Saturday.

WINDING ROAD DISTILLING CO.

A small-batch distiller located in the quaint village of Tintenbar, that specialises in unique spirits such as a citrus and sea gin, a smooth coffee liqueur and a coastal cane pure rum. The soon-to-be launched hinterland Single Malt Whisky will add to this exciting range of spirits, infused with native flavours from across the region. Immerse in the natural surrounds and spirits of the Northern Rivers, with vibrant botanical gins, infused honey vodkas and Australia’s first Agricole rum. The regional flavours run deep from the sugarcane farms to the vast coastline beyond.