Ever thought of attending Giniversity? Get ready to graduate: Gin is a distilled alcoholic beverage that is made by infusing neutral spirits with botanicals, most notably juniper berries.
The flavour of gin is heavily influenced by the juniper berries and other botanicals used in the distillation process. Other common botanicals used in gin production include coriander, angelica root, citrus peel, and various herbs and spices. Gin is typically clear in colour and has a distinct and complex flavour profile that can vary depending on the specific blend of botanicals used. Personally, I'd stay away from the coriander, but I enjoy the citrus varieties.
There are several different styles of gin, including London Dry Gin, which is the most widely produced and consumed style of gin. Other styles include Old Tom Gin, which is slightly sweeter and less dry than London Dry Gin, and New Western or American Style Gin, which often incorporates non-traditional botanicals and has a more pronounced flavour profile.
Gin can be enjoyed on its own or used as a base spirit in a variety of classic cocktails, such as the Martini, Negroni, and Gin and Tonic.
Melbourne is known for its thriving bar scene, and gin has become increasingly popular in recent years. Melbourne is currently experiencing a revolution in the world of gin! The classic spirit has undergone a renaissance, thanks in part to the growing local craft gin industry. Small-scale gin distilleries are cropping up all over Victoria, and Melbourne is no exception. Let's delve into these distilleries and meet the local distillers who are making gin popular once again.
There are several gin distillery tours available in the Melbourne area. Here are a few options:
1. Four Pillars Gin Distillery: Located in Healesville, just outside of Melbourne, Four Pillars offers a variety of tours and tastings, including a guided distillery tour and a gin blending masterclass.
2. Patient Wolf Distilling Co.: Patient Wolf offers tours of their Brunswick distillery, which includes a tasting of their award-winning gins and an introduction to the distilling process.
3. The Craft & Co.: This Collingwood distillery offers a range of tours and tastings, including a gin masterclass and a "Make Your Own Gin" experience.
4. Melbourne Gin Company: The Melbourne Gin Company offers tours and tastings at their distillery in Southbank, which includes a guided tour and a tasting of their premium gins.
5. Little Lon Distilling Co: This small-batch gin distillery in the heart of Melbourne offers tours and tastings where you can learn about their unique gin-making process and sample their award-winning gins. Bookings can be made on their website.
6. Bass & Flinders Distillery: Located on the Mornington Peninsula, Bass & Flinders Distillery offers a range of gin-making workshops and tastings. Their tours include a behind-the-scenes look at their distillery and a tasting of their gin range. Bookings can be made on their website.
7. Gin Queen on Tour: Gin Queen on Tour is a Melbourne-based company that offers guided gin tours to various distilleries around the city. They offer a range of tours, from half-day experiences to weekend getaways, and take care of all the logistics so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the gin.
8. The Gin Boutique: The Gin Boutique is a specialty gin store located in the trendy suburb of Fitzroy. They offer gin-tasting experiences where you can sample a range of different gins, learn about the history of gin, and discover new gin cocktail recipes.
9. Grain to Grog: Craft Beer & Gin Tours: Visit three gin distilleries and one gin bar. Learn how the experts distil their drop small batch craft gin with food to match; experienced and entertaining local guide.
10. And as promised: Giniversity: Giniversity is a gin-making school located in the Margaret River region of Western Australia. They offer immersive gin-making experiences where you can create your own personalized gin recipe under the guidance of a master distiller. While not located in Melbourne, they do offer classes online and it's a unique experience if you're interested in making your own gin.
Honourable mention: I can't leave out the Gin High Tea at Pilgrim Bar. Pilgrim Bar is located alongside the historic Federation Wharf vaults and Yarra River right in the heart of Melbourne. You can book for Gin High Tea from Friday to Sunday, where you can indulge in a delightful selection of sweet and savoury treats, along with three tea-infused cocktails, all for just $75 per person at the time of publication. You will also have access to bottomless sparkling wine and tea to complete your experience. Special dietary requirements such as vegan and gluten-free options, as well as non-alcoholic gin, can be accommodated upon request.
Ten gin tours in Melbourne (plus a cheeky high tea!); I hope this helps, and have fun exploring the city's gin scene! Remember it's always a good idea to check with the individual distillery for tour availability and booking information.
