Are spirits the new wine? Check out some of the growing numbers of small-batch distillers in the Yarra Ranges and Dandenong Ranges to warm you up from the inside out this winter.
Everyone knows Healesville institution Four Pillars, but what about award-winning Belgrave-based GinFinity?
After first opening its doors in 2021, GinFinity has already won the best Australian signature botanical at the World Gin Awards 2022 for its bubblegum-flavoured gin.
If Gin isn’t your style, head next door to sister-distillery Kilik Handcrafted Rum, which is also owned by brothers Cal and Ben Pratt with their cousin Andrew.
Back in Healesville, small-batch distillers Alchemy has been running since 2016, making vodka, gin and whisky. While their cellar door is currently closed, they will have a new retail and tasting space soon and their goods can be purchased online.
Seville’s Morgans Winery and Distillery are one of two whey spirit producers in Australia, which they source from local cheese makers in the Yarra Valley. They make vodka and a mean sloe-gin, so don’t miss out. Other spirits include dry vermouth, flavoured vodka and purple patch gin.
If rum, vodka or gin doesn’t catch your fancy, Yarra Valley Whiskey is a regular at markets around the Yarra Valley and the Dandenong Ranges selling their bespoke and small batch dark liquor. Established in 2018, the distillation of single barrel whisky and rum is now aging. Their gin and cane spirit are available throughout the region.
Dusty Barrel Distillery in Macclesfield makes small-batch dry gins if heading further into the Dandenong Ranges suits you. Currently, they’ve only got one option for sale online, but keep an eye out for future releases.
The Yarra Ranges is known for its wine, with some breweries scattered throughout, but with a growing culture of distilling becoming more popular throughout the region keep an eye out for the above options and newcomers joining the scene.
