With a world of gin to explore, you may be wondering where to start…
If you’re unsure (or a bit curious), why not start with a Black Sheep Signature Chamber of Gin Tasting Paddle. Featuring a seasonally inspired, all-Australian line up of tried and tested favourites, each gin you’ll taste comes with unique characteristics and a story to tell.
Let’s start the introductions, shall we?
‘Geelong Dry Gin’ by Anther Spirits | North Geelong, VIC
First up on your paddle is the aptly named ‘Geelong Dry’ Gin from our friends at Anther Distillery. With bright fresh juniper, vibrant citrus and savoury spice notes, this gin has a rich complex texture and a bone-dry finish. Adding a local flair is the infusion of Salt Bush, native to the coast surrounding Geelong. This unique plant brings a soft salty flavour & slight earthy hint to the gin alongside quintessential Australian botanicals such as Eucalyptus, Geraldton Wax & Finger Lime.
Pinot Noir Gin by Patient Wolf Distilling Co. | Southbank, VIC
Now for something a little different – the ‘Pinot Noir Gin’ by Patient Wolf Distilling Co. is the second sip featured on your Black Sheep Signature Gin Tasting Paddle. An annual collaboration between Patient Wolf and Geelong based Winemakers 6ft6 – combines their ‘Melbourne Dry Gin’ with cool-climate Pinot Noir grapes to steep for just over six weeks.
The result is a gin that’s bright in both colour and flavour, with silky tannins and juicy red fruit notes, including rich layers of cherry, strawberry, plum and a hint of cacao.
‘The Old Dodger’ by The Bellarine Distillery | Drysdale VIC
Following on is ‘The Old Dodger’, one of our local favourites from the Bellarine Distillery. Named after the distiller’s beautiful old Standard poodle ‘Dodger’, this Navy Strength gin is both bold and wonderfully savoury. For a contemporary twist, old world herbs such as Rosemary & Tarragon feature alongside Australian coastal Salt Bush and Walnut. The distillation is long and slow to fully extract the heavier oils giving this gin its distinctly robust flavour packed character.
‘Craft Gin’ by Flowstate Brewers & Distillers | Torquay, VIC
Next up is the flagship ‘Craft Gin’ by Flowstate Brewers & Distillers, produced just 30 minutes from Black Sheep in the coastal town of Torquay. This easy going, modern gin blends classic botanicals including juniper, angelica root & coriander seed together with local & native ingredients such as coastal daisy, galaxy hops & pepper berry. The addition of wedged grapefruit & lemon are vapour infused to balance the savoury & floral notes, making this gin the perfect choice as a refreshing G&T or base for cocktails.
‘Grapefruit-cello Gin Liqueur’ by Great Ocean Road Gin | Aireys Inlet, VIC
Rounding out your paddle with a vibrant fruity finish is the ‘Grapefruit-cello Gin Liqueur’ by Great Ocean Road Gin. Bright and bursting with white grapefruit peel, brioche, honeysuckle & ginger notes, this golden gin liqueur is distilled in a style similar to limoncello. To contrast with the sweeter elements of the fruit itself and allow the bitterness & spice to play at the forefront, this Grapefruit-cello contains less sugar than traditional recipes. We like to sip this one neat or over ice, however it’s also fantastic with a splash of tonic too!
Ready to try it for yourself?
So there you have it – a gin journey spanning the Great Ocean coastline through to the Bellarine Peninsula and bustling city of Melbourne – all under one roof in the heart of Geelong.
Ready to try it for yourself? Head in to taste our Black Sheep Signature Gin Tasting Paddle this Winter and sit, sip and stay a while with us.
See you at the bar soon…
P.S: Learn more about our Chamber of Gin here!
