Gin lovers, let’s raise our glasses as we discover the best gins from Australia!
Do you start your happy hour with a gin and tonic? Or do you like to craft cocktails at home with a new tipple? If you’re looking to try something new and support local, we’ve got eight reasons why your next selection will hopefully be your favourite.
Not only does this list feature some of the best Australian gins the country to offer, but it is also packed with information about gin brands that have won gin awards or, putting it simply, are a revolutionary gin distillery that’s well worth discovering. So sit tight and read on through our guide to the best Australian gin brands of 2023. Cheers!
Photographed by Erik Rosenberg.
Image via South Australian Tourism Commission.
Applewood Distillery
Owned and led by husband-and-wife duo Brendan and Laura Carter, Applewood Distillery is one of the top Australian gin brands to keep on your watchlist in 2023. Valuing Indigenous culture and putting Australia’s flora at their forefront, Applewood supports sustainable farmers as well as Australia’s fragile ecosystems with their two-way agriculture practice. Passionate about crafting a unique Australian gin that encompasses some of our nations rarest flavours, if you’re looking for a new Australian gin to try, the Applewood Gin has a native citrus core and a soaring overall eucalypt freshness.
Photographed by Ken Leanfore. Image via Destination NSW.
Archie Rose Distilling Co.
Hailing from Rosebery in New South Wales, Archie Rose Distilling Co. is one Australian gin brand that is always on our radar. With numerous Australian gin awards under their belt, Archie Rose has also made a name for itself with their selection of whiskies, vodkas, rums and even ready-made bottled cocktails. Winning Australia’s Most Innovative Hospitatility Company in 2019, it’s no surprise that Archie Rose knows how to keep up their creative tricks. On top of the distillery tours, Archie Rose Distilling Co. also offers gin and whisky blending classes as well as a handful of masterclasses that provide guests with a hands-on experience.
Image via Bass & Flinders Distillery.
Bass & Flinders Distillery
Founded in 2009, Bass & Flinders Distillery was born on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria after a passion for creating a range of high quality, artisanal Australian gins and liqueurs was discovered. With its prime wine growing region location in mind, Bass & Flinders Distillery hoped to create a product that reflected their home and heritage. After launching their Ochre brandy, Bass & Flinders Distillery then set out on a new venture to create one of the best Australian gins. Expanding more and more each year, some notable releases include their ant-infused Angry Ant Gin and, our personal favourite, the Heartbreak Pinot Noir Gin.
Image supplied.
Cape Byron Distillery
You’ve heard of Brookie’s Byron Dry Gin, but where does it come from? Meet Cape Byron Distillery – the legends behind the legendary gin. Honouring the traditions and art of distillation, Cape Byron Distillery was born to showcase everything that the Byron Bay region has to offer. We’re talking 25 botanicals where 17 of which are sourced locally from their surrounding rainforest. On top of their Brookie’s Byron Dry Gin, we recommend trying their Byron Negroni, Shirl the Pearl and their ready to drink cocktail range including a Slow Gin Spritz and Dry Gin and Tonic.
Photographed by Wine Victoria. Image via Visit Victoria.
Four Pillars
Hailing from Healesville in Victoria, Four Pillars is certainly making a great name for themselves as one of the best Australian gin brands. The perfect accompaniment to any happy hour, Four Pillars is all about a creative cocktail. Commonly known for their Bloody Shiraz Gin that has bewitched gin drinkers around the world, Four Pillars is also renowned for their limited-edition releases including Chardonnay Barrel Gin, Fresh Yuzu and Sherry Cask Gin. Regardless of your pick, we can guarantee that it will be one of your newfound favourite Australian gins.
Photographed by Paul Bramford. Image via Destination NSW.
Husk Distillery
If you’re looking for the gin that changes colour, you may be looking for Husk Distillery’s Ink Gin. Apart from its potent flavours, charismatic botanical journey and colourful aesthetic, Husk Distillery is more than their purple-hued concoction. One of the best Australian brands you need to know, Husk is innovative to the very last drop. As for their gin distillery found in North Tumbulgum (northern New South Wales), you’ll be able to discover new ways to enjoy Husk Distillery Gin all whilst strolling through the grounds of their family farm.
Photographed by David Steele. Image via Shutterstock.
The West Winds Gin
Meet The West Winds Gin – Australia’s most awarded gin distillery. Marking its territory in Western Australia, The West Winds began just a mere 13 years ago after two mates decided to start off on an uncharted course together. Keeping their vision on track, today, The West Winds Gin celebrates the unique botanicals of this ancient land by forging a new path for Australian gin. After a year and 45 distillations to develop their first two gins, The West Winds Gin made their mark in the industry and has never looked back ever since. One of the best Australian gin brands of 2023, be sure to give their Pinque Rosé Gin a try.
Photographed by Ian Routledge.
Image via South Australian Tourism Commission.
78 Degrees Distillery
If you’re looking for a South Australian gin distillery, we must point you in the direction of one of our favourite Australian gin brands: 78 Degrees Distillery. Found in Hay Valley, 40-minutes east of Adelaide’s CBD, 78 Degrees Distillery focuses on handcrafting a more savoury, grape-based gin. Using Adelaide Hills water and a blend of 12 unique botanicals, this Australian gin brand also ensures that their concoctions are never heated above 78.1 degrees (hence their name). For something truly unique, we recommend the Classic Gin that features a spiced, aromatic blend that is best served with tonic, a citrus twist and even some peppercorns.
From distilleries to hidden bars, enjoy the esteemed sprit thanks to our list of the Best Gin Bars around Australia of 2023. Or, get creative at home with these 5 Quirky and Easy Gin and Tonic Cocktail Recipes.
