VIC

The HM Gin journey began over a memorable long lunch when Gavin, the head distiller and co-creator, was discussing his desire to make wine. However, considering his age and the time it takes to create exceptional wine, his friend Gary suggested he try making spirits instead. With Gavin’s background in Applied Chemistry, the idea struck a chord, even as they neared the end of their lunch.

During Melbourne’s lockdown in 2020, Gavin and his partner started experimenting in their family shed. This ignited a passion for distilling and flavor exploration, leading them to develop their first batch of Orange Squeeze gin. The experience was transformative, and they knew they had something special to share with the world.

Reflecting on their journey, both Gavin and Gary admit that just two years ago, they could never have imagined themselves running a gin distillery. Yet, their love for gin and the thrill of flavor experimentation have fueled their path into the world of craft spirits. Now, they are excited to share their HM Gin creations with gin enthusiasts everywhere.

Hepburn Distillery was born with a strong focus on local sourcing and sustainability, drawing inspiration from the mineral-rich soil and abundant rainfall of Hepburn Shire. Situated amidst the beauty of the forested, cold spud country, their mission was clear: to create a product that was deeply connected to the region, chemical-free, and low in food miles. Embracing the principles of being environmentally conscious, they source raw materials locally, organically, and seasonally, even growing some of the botanicals used in their gin.

Sustainability is at the core of their ethos, extending to every aspect of their lives and business. From using recycled and FSC-approved paper for packaging and labels to composting all organic waste onsite, they strive to minimize their impact on the environment. For imported materials or products like their bottles, they offset the carbon footprint through tree planting initiatives with Fifteen Trees.

Living close to nature allows Hepburn Distillery to create unique batches of spirits with each passing season. As a small and seasonal distillery, they have the liberty to forage for ingredients, experiment with flavors, and collaborate with local producers, chefs, and business owners. Harvesting blackberries in autumn and utilizing excess lemons in winter are just a few examples of the endless possibilities for creative exploration and blending new flavor combinations. This dedication to the natural world and their community infuses each bottle of their distinctively crafted spirits.

Since its inception, Here’s Looking at You, Kid has been on a culinary journey, exploring diverse tastes and distilling techniques. Recently, they unveiled their gin distillery and bar in the vibrant neighborhood of North Melbourne.

The driving force behind this endeavor is founder Liz Beech, who has a rich background in the food and beverage industry. Her fascination with the flavors and possibilities of distilling was ignited during a trip to Scotland, which ultimately inspired her to delve into the world of craft spirits.

Despite the challenges of the pandemic, Liz and her family made a daring move, relocating their distillery from Mordialloc to North Melbourne. The quest for the perfect venue led them to Errol Street, where they discovered a charming two-story Victorian terrace with ample natural light, creating an inviting ambiance for patrons to enjoy. This new space houses their copper pot still, Eliza Jane, which plays a central role in crafting their exceptional spirits.

Liz is elated with her new home in North Melbourne, embracing the supportive local community and the perfect setting for their bar and masterclasses. The glass-fronted terrace bathes the room in sunlight, creating an atmosphere that perfectly complements the vision of Here’s Looking at You, Kid.

Great Ocean Road Gin is a boutique distillery located along the iconic Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Australia. Founded by Ann Houlihan and Kris Mckie, their passion for the natural beauty of the region and premium gin has led them on a remarkable journey.

Inspired by their love for the coastal landscape, they began crafting small-batch gins using locally sourced ingredients and botanicals. The first gin they released, called Guvvos, pays homage to the surf beach outside Point Roadknight, featuring 24 botanicals, including kelp, saltbush, eucalyptus, and more.

Since opening their distillery in Torquay in 2022, Great Ocean Road Gin has expanded its range to include six unique gins. With a Tasting Room & Gin Garden and The Gin Kitchen restaurant in Aireys Inlet, they invite visitors to savor the flavors of the Great Ocean Road and experience their passion for crafting exceptional spirits.

Garden Distillery is a boutique craft distillery located in the picturesque countryside of the Yarra Valley, Victoria. Founded by horticulture enthusiasts and spirits aficionados, Sarah and Mark, the distillery draws its inspiration from the stunning botanical diversity surrounding their property.

With a passion for sustainable practices, Garden Distillery takes a hands-on approach to sourcing their ingredients. They meticulously grow a variety of herbs, flowers, and fruits in their own garden, which are then carefully harvested to infuse their spirits with unique and vibrant flavors.

Using a custom-designed copper still, aptly named “Botanical Beauty,” Sarah and Mark artfully distill their small-batch spirits to capture the essence of the Yarra Valley’s natural bounty. From their signature gin blends, highlighting the region’s native botanicals, to fruit-infused liqueurs that celebrate the seasons, each expression reflects the authentic taste of their surroundings.

As stewards of the land, Garden Distillery prioritizes eco-conscious practices, ensuring minimal impact on the environment. From water conservation efforts to reusable packaging, they strive to create a sustainable and ethical production process.

Stepping into Garden Distillery’s inviting tasting room, visitors are welcomed to sample the handcrafted spirits and experience the enchanting flavors that embody the essence of the Yarra Valley. With every sip, they invite you to savor the beauty and harmony of nature distilled into each carefully crafted bottle.

Gemini Gin Distilling Co. is a visionary craft distillery dedicated to creating exceptional gin experiences. Founded with a passion for innovation and a love for gin, the distillery combines traditional distillation methods with cutting-edge techniques to craft unique and flavorful gins.

At Gemini Gin Distilling Co., every step of the process is carefully curated to produce high-quality spirits that delight the palate. From selecting the finest botanicals to expertly distilling and blending, their commitment to craftsmanship shines through in every bottle.

Inspired by the duality of the Gemini zodiac sign, the distillery embraces the balance of tradition and innovation, resulting in gins that embody both timeless elegance and modern creativity.

With a deep respect for the art of distilling and a dedication to delivering unforgettable flavors, Gemini Gin Distilling Co. continues to push the boundaries of gin-making, delighting gin enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike with their exceptional spirits.