Every time I visit Canberra, our Australian Bush Capitol, I discover something different to tease my senses. I was not disappointed this latest trip with an afternoon sitting in the sun at Tipsy Bull, a gin joint in trendy Lonsdale Street.
Sitting outside in the sunshine
With over 230 different gins available for tasting, as well as a selection of other drinks, this is a great spot for a social gathering. The food on offer is specialist shared plate nibbles with an eight plate tasting menu available as at 27th of May 2019 for $69.00 (for a minimum of 2 people). We shared the Gruyere Croquettes and Crispy Spiced Squid as we were still getting over breakfast, though that is another story. Delicious!
What is it that makes the Tipsy Bull different to other bars?
As well as the friendly and knowledgable staff, the De-Constructed Gin Journey is an experience in its own right.
Every gin on the menu has its own story. I selected the Australian Green Ant Gin produced by the Something Wild Beverage Company. Green Ants are renowned Bush Tucker and our Indigenous hand harvest these ants for their medicinal qualities, protein and citrus flavour from the Northern Territory.
Those floaters are Green Ants
Your selected gin is then delivered on a paddle where you are advised to slowly savour the flavours before adding a selection of botanicals. Mine included lime, lemon, rosemary and juniper berries, which you add to enhance the flavour according to taste before adding tonic water and ice.
It's rather like making an Aromatherapy Perfume: it's a slow process which is all about finding the right balance of taste and fragrance to meet your own requirements.
One of my companions selected a coffee/chocolate flavoured gin with a Graveyard connection (yes, you read that right). The other went for a flowery Spanish flavoured gin with a hint of ginger which was much enjoyed.
Coffee/Chocolate Gin.Its true!
As Humphrey Bogart said in the movie,
Casablanca, "
Of all of the Gin Joints in all of the Towns in all of the World and she walks into mine." Folks, I certainly intend to walk into the Tipsy Bull more often.
Tipsy Bull is located at 2/5 Lonsdale Street, Braddon with the following opening hours:
Tues to Sun / 12pm–late
Mon / CLOSED.
