Botanical Wonders and Gin Adventures: An Australian Gin Journey

Australia’s gin industry is a vibrant tapestry woven with unique botanicals that reflect the country’s diverse ecosystems. From the aromatic lemon myrtle to the exotic finger lime, Australian gins offer a distinctive taste of the land Down Under. My love affair with gin began in 2015 when I lived in Sydney, Australia. The vibrant city, with its stunning harbor and dynamic cultural scene, was where I first tasted Poor Toms gin. This gin captivated me with its unique blend of botanicals like chamomile and native Australian spices, sparking a passion that would eventually lead to the creation of Gin Observer in 2018. Fast forward to 2024, and I recently embarked on a journey through Australia to discover the essence of its gin culture. Here, I share my experiences and the fascinating gins that showcase Australia’s botanical heritage.

Exploring Unique Botanicals in Australian Gins

Returning to Australia felt like coming full circle. My journey began in New South Wales, where I first rekindled my love for Poor Toms gin. This time, I enjoyed it at a friend’s house during a dinner party. Their use of botanicals like chamomile and native apple still resonated deeply with me. It was the first gin I fell in love with, and tasting it again brought back memories of why I started this journey. Poor Toms has a way of capturing the heart and the palate with its unique blend. Learn more

While in Sydney, I decided to visit a local gin bar that came highly recommended by a somewhat tipsy stranger I met at a café. Manly Spirits, their Coastal Citrus Gin to be precise, was the highlight of my visit. This gin incorporates finger lime, a botanical that adds a unique tangy burst, reminiscent of a fresh sea breeze. The bright, tart notes elevate the gin, making it a perfect companion for seafood dishes. It was like sipping the essence of the ocean, right in the heart of Sydney. Discover more

Next, I made my way to The Barber Shop, a place that is as much about getting a stylish haircut as it is about enjoying a world-class gin cocktail. With over 700 gins to choose from, it was a gin lover’s paradise. I went for their signature gimlet, featuring saltbush-infused Hickson Road London Dry Gin, finger lime cordial, and coriander. The combination was nothing short of spectacular, and the atmosphere – blending the old-school charm of a barber shop with a modern cocktail bar – was truly unique. It’s worth noting that while their barber parlours are now closed, The Barber Shop bar is still in operation, serving some of the finest gin cocktails in Sydney.

In the hinterlands of New South Wales, I stumbled upon Suburban Gin at a charming country restaurant. Their use of dandelion, commonly seen as a garden weed, was a delightful surprise. Dandelion adds a unique earthy bitterness and a touch of honey-like sweetness to the botanical mix. This unexpected ingredient pays homage to Australia’s tradition of using local, often overlooked plants in innovative ways. It felt like discovering a hidden gem in the gin world. Explore more

Continuing my journey south, I reached Victoria, eager to dive into its vibrant gin scene. One of my first stops in Melbourne was a cozy bar called Gin Palace. Here, I was introduced to Four Pillars Navy Strength Gin. The gin was a revelation, with lemon myrtle—a native botanical—imparting a vibrant, citrusy aroma. Lemon myrtle’s intense lemon flavor, without the bitterness, adds a refreshing twist that reminded me of sun-soaked Australian summers. It’s like tasting the essence of an Australian summer in a bottle. Explore more

One evening in Melbourne, at a stylish rooftop bar, I was served a stunning indigo-hued gin and tonic. This was my introduction to Ink Gin, which uses butterfly pea flower. This botanical not only gives the gin its mesmerizing color but also adds subtle floral and earthy notes. Watching the gin change color when mixed with tonic was a delightful experience that captivated my senses. It was a magical moment that turned a simple drink into an enchanting experience. Seriously, it was like Hogwarts in a glass. Learn more

During a casual get-together with friends in Melbourne, I was introduced to West Winds Gin. One sip, and I was taken by the warm, aromatic notes of cinnamon myrtle—a native plant with a spicy, cinnamon-like flavor. This botanical perfectly balances the juniper and citrus elements, showcasing how Australian distillers are pushing the boundaries of traditional gin making. It felt like a warm embrace in a glass. Discover more

At a boutique gin shop in Melbourne, I picked up a bottle of Kalki Moon. This gin combines cinnamon myrtle and finger lime, creating a drink that’s both warm and refreshing. The cinnamon myrtle provides a spicy, aromatic foundation, while the finger lime adds a zesty, citrusy lift. Kalki Moon captures the essence of Queensland’s diverse climate and vibrant botanical landscape, offering a taste journey that spans the regions. Explore more

During a tasting event in Melbourne, I stumbled upon Prohibition Liquor Co’s Moonlight Gin. They use butterfly pea flower and honeybush, resulting in a gin that is as beautiful as it is delicious. The butterfly pea flower gives the gin a stunning blue hue, while the honeybush adds a rich, floral sweetness. This gin is a feast for the eyes and the palate, offering a unique and memorable tasting experience. It was like drinking a piece of art. Discover more

Before concluding my trip, I had to visit the iconic Four Pillars Distillery in the Yarra Valley. The distillery tour was fascinating, revealing the meticulous process behind each bottle. I was particularly impressed with their innovative approach to gin-making, incorporating native botanicals like lemon myrtle and Tasmanian pepperberry. The experience was both educational and enjoyable, solidifying Four Pillars as one of my top picks in Australian gin.

My journey through Australia’s gin landscape has been nothing short of extraordinary. Each gin I encountered tells a story of the land, its people, and its unique botanical bounty. Whether you’re a seasoned gin enthusiast or new to the world of spirits, these Australian gins offer a fresh and exciting adventure for your palate. So, pour yourself a glass, and let’s toast to the incredible spirit of Australian gin. Cheers!

Australian gins are a celebration of the country’s unique botanical heritage. From the zesty lemon myrtle to the spicy pepperberry, these gins offer a taste of Australia’s diverse landscapes. The innovative use of indigenous botanicals by Australian distillers not only highlights the richness of the local flora but also sets their gins apart on the global stage. We encourage readers to explore these distinctive flavors and discover the exceptional quality of Australian gins on our website.

This article was written by our founder, Ittai, who recently explored Australia’s gin scene to uncover its unique botanical treasures. For more insights or inquiries, reach out at ittai@ginobserver.com.