Gin may have gotten a bad rap in the past as the go-to drink for grumpy old men. These days, it’s anything but boring. From spicy to sweet, floral to fruity, the variety of gin flavours is simply staggering. And let’s not forget the fancy cocktails that use gin — there’s the classic gin and tonic, the refreshing gin fizz, and the oh-so-fancy gin martini, to name a few.
In New South Wales, gin enthusiasts are in for a treat. From bustling cities to rolling countryside, the state is home to some of the best gin distilleries in Australia. Discover the secrets of the craft, sample exquisite blends of botanicals and spices, and experience the passion of the artisans who create these small-batch gins.
Archie Rose Distilling Co.
Not all gin distilleries will be in a rusty shed somewhere in regional NSW. Some of the best stills can be found in the laneways and warehouses of Sydney. Archie Rose Distilling Co. in Sydney is a renowned gin distillery offering a range of unique and creative gin blends. Using locally sourced botanicals, they produce their famous Signature Dry Gin and a range of other spirits, including whisky, vodka, and rum. Take a tour of the distillery and learn about the distilling process or enjoy a gin tasting in their stylish bar.
Poor Toms Gin Hall
Another city-based gin distillery is Poor Toms. This little gem in Marrickville is pocket-sized, but don’t let that fool you — the gin is big on flavour. Think strawberry gum and pina colada style. The gin hall is stylishly decorated with hanging vines, crisp white walls, and high tables with stools. Book a tasting to try the range, including an Amaro and a few craft cocktails.
Karu Distillery
Shrowded in the Devil’s Wilderness and stilled at the base of the Blue Mountains, Karu Distillery is an underrated distillery that needs to be seen and heard. This boutique gin distillery produces small-batch, handcrafted gins using locally sourced botanicals, including their popular South Coast Botanic Gin. The distillery tours and gin tastings are always fun but, for something a little extra, book a gin-making workshop. Don’t leave without tasting a few of their other products, including a Chipotle vodka and outcask rum.
The Farmer’s Wife Distillery
If you venture to the Hunter region, you might come across the small town of Allworth, where the incredible gins of The Farmer’s Wife Distillery are made. They produce a range of premium gins, including their popular Barrel-Aged Gin, using locally sourced ingredients. We can’t get enough of their Autumn Gin. Visitors can enjoy a gin tasting and tour the distillery to learn about the distillation process.
Four Pillars
How can we have a list of the best gin distilleries in NSW without mentioning Four Pillars. Technically Four Pillars is distilled in the Yarra Valley, but in the heart of Surry Hills, you can visit the Laboratory for a tasting and extend your stay after at Eileen’s Bar. Partake in a gin workshop at Eileen’s and see the famous copper still taking centre stage in the room.
Manly Spirits Co.
This boutique distillery on the Northern Beaches of Sydney produces a range of artisanal gins using locally sourced botanicals and marine ingredients, including their popular Coastal Citrus Gin. Sit back, relax and enjoy a gin tasting in their stylish tasting room overlooking the beautiful scenery. If you want to dive a little deeper, attend their gin school for an evening or partake in a cocktail masterclass.
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