Sip 6 2025

The Gin

Hi Reader,

This week, our gin journey takes us to Australia—a land of bold flavors, innovative distilling, and native botanicals that set its gins apart. 🇦🇺 From bright citrus notes and deep juniper profiles to uniquely Australian ingredients like finger lime, wattle seed, and Tasmanian pepper berry, Aussie gin is redefining the craft spirit scene. Whether you love a classic G&T or something more adventurous, there’s an Australian gin that’s perfect for you.
Let’s explore! 🍸✨

Here's what’s on this week’s menu:

Gin of the Week: Gins of Australia 🇦🇺
Story: Barrels & Gin 🛢️
Masterclass: Getting Started with Gin🍸
Cocktail for the week: Australian Gin Gimlet 🍋‍🟩
Community Spotlight: Emma Gin Sour 🍸
Bazaar: February Events 🗓️

Gins of the Week: Gins of Australia 🇦🇺

Australia is making some serious waves in the gin world, and for good reason. With native botanicals, bold flavors, and a fearless approach to craft distilling, Aussie gins are packed with personality. Think citrus from sun-drenched orchards, pepper berries from wild forests, and even Shiraz grapes straight from world-class vineyards. The result? Gins that are bright, aromatic, and full of character.

If you’re looking to sip on some of the best Australian gins, here are five top picks that bring the country’s flavors to life! 🇦🇺🍸

Four Pillars Rare Dry Gin 🍊🌿
Flavor Profile: A perfectly balanced gin with juniper, bright citrus, and native Aussie botanicals like lemon myrtle and Tasmanian pepperberry. It’s smooth, zesty, and has just the right amount of spice.
Why Try It? If you love a crisp, refreshing G&T with a citrusy punch, this one’s a must-try. It’s versatile, full of flavor, and an absolute staple for any gin lover.
Never Never Triple Juniper Gin 🌲🍋
Flavor Profile: A bold, juniper-packed gin that goes through three different distillation processes to extract every bit of flavor. Expect piney depth, fresh citrus, and a smooth, slightly spicy finish.
Why Try It? This one’s made for serious gin fans. If you love a dry martini or a punchy Negroni, this gin’s robust character will stand up in any cocktail.
Archie Rose Signature Dry Gin 🌿🍐
Flavor Profile: A beautifully smooth and fragrant gin infused with Australian botanicals like Dorrigo pepperleaf and fresh citrus. It’s light, aromatic, and incredibly well-balanced.
Why Try It? Perfect for a refreshing gin and tonic or a Tom Collins, this gin is easy to love. It’s got all the classic gin flavors but with a modern Aussie twist.
Four Pillars Bloody Shiraz Gin 🍇🍷
Flavor Profile: A totally unique gin infused with Yarra Valley Shiraz grapes, giving it a deep berry-rich flavor with a hint of spice. It’s sweet, bold, and has a gorgeous deep purple color.
Why Try It? If you love a smooth, slightly fruity gin that sips like a dream over ice, this is it. It’s a game-changer for gin lovers and wine drinkers alike!
Manly Spirits Coastal Citrus Gin 🌊🍋
Flavor Profile: A bright, summery gin packed with coastal flavors like lemon aspen, sea parsley, and fresh citrus zest. It’s crisp, fresh, and has just a hint of saltiness.
Why Try It? It tastes like an Aussie beach day in a glass. Perfect for a G&T with a slice of lemon, this gin is light, refreshing, and super easy to drink.

Australia’s gin scene is thriving, and these five picks showcase exactly why. Whether you’re into bold juniper, fresh citrus, or something completely unique, there’s an Aussie gin for you.

Read about the story of the Australian Barrels & Gin Experiment🛢️👇

Guide to Australian Gin

Story: Barrels & Gin 🛢️

It all started as an experiment: what if we aged gin in casks that once held whisky, wine, or sherry? The result? A smooth, rich spirit with hints of vanilla, caramel, and spice, blending the best of gin and aged spirits like whisky. In Australia, distillers decided to mix things up—literally—by aging their gin in barrels.

What makes Australian barrel-aged gin even more unique is the climate. Unlike cooler regions where aging takes years, Australia’s wild temperature swings speed up the process, letting the wood and botanicals work their magic in just a few months. Distilleries like Four Pillars and Patient Wolf are leading the charge, using everything from sherry casks to French oak barrels to create complex, full-bodied gins that are perfect for sipping straight or mixing into bold cocktails.

For gin lovers, this is a game-changer. Barrel-aged gin bridges the gap between the crispness of a classic G&T and the deep, warming flavors of whisky. Whether you're a long-time gin fan or just looking for something different, Australia's take on aged gin is proving that sometimes, breaking the rules leads to the best discoveries. So next time you’re at the bar, why not try a gin that’s spent some time in the barrel? You might just find your new favorite drink. 🍸🥃

NEXT, Check out the Masterclass on Getting Started with Gin – A Beginner’s Guide 🍸 👇

Four Pillars Gin | What is Barrel Ageing? | Barrel Aged Gins

Masterclass: Getting Started with Gin – A Beginner’s Guide 🍸

So, you’re curious about gin but don’t know where to start? No worries! Gin is one of the most exciting spirits out there—versatile, packed with flavor, and perfect for mixing into some seriously good cocktails. This guide will walk you through the basics, help you pick your first bottle, and set you on the right path to exploring gin like a pro. Let’s jump in!Gin is a distilled spirit made from grain alcohol and flavored with juniper berries, which give it that signature piney, herbal taste. Beyond juniper, distillers use a mix of botanicals like citrus, herbs, spices, and flowers to create unique flavors. Some gins are bold and dry, while others are light and floral. The key to finding your favorite is experimenting!

Picking Your First Gin 🏆
There are many different styles of gin, but here are three great starting points:
1️⃣ London Dry Gin – Classic & Balanced This is the most popular gin style, known for its crisp, juniper-forward taste. Perfect for a G&T or classic martini. Try: Beefeater, Tanqueray, Bombay Sapphire.
2️⃣ Plymouth Gin – Smooth & Earthy Slightly less dry than London Dry, with a rounded, subtle flavor that works great in cocktails. Try: Plymouth Gin.
3️⃣ Old Tom Gin – Slightly Sweeter A softer, slightly sweeter gin that’s great for beginners. Works well in cocktails like the Tom Collins. Try: Hayman’s Old Tom.

Want to explore more? Look into Australian, Japanese, or British craft gins, which often include unique native botanicals!

Tasting & Experimenting 🍸
To really appreciate gin, try it in different ways: ✅ Sip it neat to taste its full flavor. ✅ Mix it with tonic or soda to see how it changes. ✅ Try it in different cocktails and find your favorite style.
Pro Tip: If you love bold flavors, go for a juniper-heavy gin. If you prefer something light, try a floral or citrusy gin.

Final Lesson: Enjoy the Journey! 🥂
Gin is one of the most exciting spirits because no two bottles are the same. Start with the classics, experiment with flavors, and have fun discovering what you love. Now, grab your glass, pour yourself a drink, and welcome to the world of gin! 🍸✨

Checkout our Cocktail for the week Australian Gin Gimlet with Finger Lime 🍋‍🟩👇