Gin Genius: Western Australia's Top Distilleries and Their Liquid Art

Western Australia (WA) is making waves in the gin industry with its unique approach that blends traditional methods with innovative techniques. Here's a detailed guide to the best distilleries in WA, categorised by their strengths in native botanicals, sipping gins, and cocktail experiences.

Nature's Bounty: Gins Bursting with Native Botanicals

Gin's distinctive flavour profile stems from a variety of botanicals, with juniper berries being the essential ingredient that defines the spirit. Traditional gin recipes often incorporate a blend of herbs, spices, and fruits such as coriander seeds, angelica root, citrus peels, liquorice and cassia bark. However, on top of these traditional botanicals, WA distilleries often incorporate native botanicals to complement the juniper base. These innovative distillers harness the flavours of the Australian landscape, introducing native ingredients like finger limes, strawberry gum and lemon myrtle. Some even venture to the coasts, adding locally foraged kelp and samphire to create gins with a true taste of Australia. Providing distinct flavours that are not found anywhere else in the world, The fusion of traditional and indigenous botanicals has created a new wave of contemporary Australian gins that are gaining recognition worldwide for their distinctive character and complexity.

Old Young's Distillery

Location: The Swan Valley wine region

Highlights: Nestled in the wine region of Swan Valley, Old Young's is celebrated for its innovative use of native botanicals like bush mint and lemon myrtle. Old Young's distiller James Young remains committed to maintaining the spirit of innovation through unique and creative gins such as the 'Six Seasons Gin', a standout product that incorporates ingredients representing the six seasons of the Noongar people, offering a complex and culturally rich flavour profile.

Moontide Distillery

Location: Broome

Highlights: Moontide Distillery embodies a philosophy of creativity, continuous learning, and striving for perfection. They emphasise the use of native botanicals such as Gubiny (Kakadu Plum) and Guwarl (White Berry Bush), along with tropical fruits like mango and tamarind, which were historically brought to Broome by seafaring traders. Moontide aims to encapsulate the essence of Broome in each bottle. A standout offering is the Pearler's Gin, distilled with juniper berries, Burdekin plum, lemon myrtle, mint, and oyster mantle from local Broome pearl oysters. This rare Australian dry gin delivers a unique minerality balanced with citrus flavours.

Sip and Savour: Gins that Shine Solo

For those who appreciate the purity and complexity of gin, these distilleries offer exceptional products that are best enjoyed neat. These gins are crafted to highlight their intricate flavours without the need for mixers, employing innovative distillation techniques to achieve superior quality.

West Winds Distillery

Location: The Margaret River Region 

Highlights: West Winds' 'The Cutlass' gin is designed for sipping neat. Taking a spin on the classic London Dry Gin, this gin showcases a dominant botanical presence of Bush Tomato, delivering a robust and full-bodied profile reminiscent of sun-dried tomatoes on steroids—spicy and earthy. It features robust flavours such as cinnamon myrtle, making it a favourite among gin aficionados who appreciate a strong, complex profile. The distillery uses a unique distillation process that includes macerating botanicals for an extended period to extract maximum flavour and complexity.

The Grove Distillery & Brewery

Location: The Margaret River Region 

Highlights: The Grove offers a premium gin that is smooth and flavourful, perfect for sipping. Their meticulous distillation process involves small-batch production and the use of a custom-made copper pot still, which allows for precise control over the distillation process. This results in a gin that is both complex and refined, with a clean finish that is ideal for those who enjoy savouring their spirits.

Mix and Mingle: Cocktail Experiences that Dazzle

These distilleries are known for their innovative cocktail offerings, making them perfect destinations for those who love creative and expertly crafted gins. Their bars and tasting rooms provide a vibrant atmosphere where visitors can enjoy a wide range of gin-based cocktails.

Margaret River Distilling Co.

Location: The Margaret River Region

Highlights: The on-site bar at Margaret River Distilling Co. is renowned for its creative cocktails. Their mixologists craft drinks that highlight the unique flavours of their Giniversity range, incorporating native botanicals and locally sourced ingredients. The distillery also offers gin-making classes, providing an immersive experience for visitors.

Wise Wine

Location: The Margaret River Region

Highlights: The Wise Distillery is perched in the heart of the Wise Family's 60-hectare property at the northern end of the magnificent Margaret River wine region. The Wise Eagle Bay Restaurant offers stunning ocean views and a range of innovative cocktails featuring their premium gins. Their cocktail menu is designed to showcase the versatility of their gins, with drinks that are both visually appealing and delicious. The scenic backdrop adds to the overall experience, making it a must-visit for cocktail enthusiasts.

Last but not least, explore Perth's secrets with Hidden de Tours Gin Walking Tour

For gin enthusiasts seeking a unique experience, Hidden De Tours the Gin Walking Tour in Perth offers an exciting adventure through the city's vibrant gin scene. This tour takes you on a leisurely stroll through Perth's Central Business District and Northbridge, visiting three distinct gin bars. Participants can enjoy guided tastings led by gin experts, savouring gin-tasting paddles complete with garnishes and tonics. The tour also includes interactive sessions on crafting exquisite gin cocktails, providing a learning and tasting experience.

As you explore the city, your guide will share intriguing stories about the history of gin and some of Perth's own secrets and scandals. Running fortnightly on Saturdays all year round, this 3.5-hour tour promises a delightful blend of education, exploration, and enjoyment. Gather your gin-loving friends and head to Western Australia for an unforgettable gin journey through Perth's hidden gems. Let the good times be-GIN!

For more information, visit https://www.hiddendetours.com.au/gin-walking-tours.html