Fancy a tipple? Your tastebuds will be treated as craftmanship and flavour go hand-in-hand at these South Australian gin distilleries!
World renowned wine regions and gourmet cheese. What more could you need? Between the thriving hospitality scene and gorgeous landscape, South Australia does not disappoint. Added to this list of diversity is a range of innovative gin distilleries plotted around the state.
Offering some of the finest gin experiences in the world, South Australia’s gin distilleries are a testament to creativity, passion and, most importantly, dedication to quality. So whether you’re a curious newcomer or aficionado, we’ve curated a guide to the best gin distilleries in South Australia for you to discover. Cheers!
Located in the picturesque, German-inspired town of Hahndorf is a family-owned gin distillery that prides itself on its handcrafted tipples. Welcome to Ambleside Distillers! True to their testament, each of their botanicals including lemon myrtle and native pepperberry are grown on their property. With a distinct flavour profile to discover, Ambleside Distillery offers tastings and tours at their intimate site. With a commitment to quality and local ingredients, it’s understandable why Ambleside has made this list as one of the best South Australian gin distilleries!
Photographed by Lewis Potter. Image via South Australian Tourism Commission.Ambleside Distillers
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 South Australian gin distilleries to keep on your watchlist. 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 nation’s 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 Meaghan Coles.
Image via South Australian Tourism Commission.
Kangaroo Island Spirits
A short ferry ride from the mainland, Kangaroo Island Spirits is a destination distillery that combines pristine island botanicals with artisanal craftsmanship. Their gins are just as unique as their location and, to make you feel more at home, their Distillery Experience offers visitors a chance to explore the production process and enjoy gin tastings in a serene setting. Kangaroo Island Spirits’ commitment to sustainability and community involvement makes it a gem in South Australia’s gin landscape.
Photographed by Jonathan van der Knaap.
Image via South Australian Tourism Commission.
Never Never Distilling Co.
Nestled in one of South Australia’s most famed wine regions, the McLaren Vale, Never Never Distilling Co. seems like an unlikely contender. However, overtime, Never Never Distilling Co. has garnered acclaim for its bold and flavourful gins. Take their Triple Juniper Gin, which is a robust expression with three types of juniper, has won numerous awards and is a must-try. On top of this, the distillery’s stunning location offers breathtaking views of the vineyards and an overall relaxed atmosphere for tastings and tours.
Head back in time to the freewheeling days of the hidden speakeasy at Prohibition Liquor Co, an industrial-style bar and tasting room. Leaning on their Adelaide distillery that specialises in handmade small batch craft gin, the Prohibition’s Tasting Room on Gilbert Street offers the perfect opportunity to sample the entire range, including limited and seasonal releases. With over 100 craft gins, as well as a selection of some of the best gin cocktails in Adelaide, Prohibition is truly a hidden delight in Adelaide!
Photographed by Meaghan Coles.
Image via South Australian Tourism Commission.Prohibition Liquor Co.
Photographed by Jacob Jennings and Destination Riverland. Image via South Australian Tourism Commission.
23rd Street Distillery
Tucked away in Renmark on Twentythird Street is one of South Australia’s best gin distilleries of the same name. Stepping inside 23rd Street Distillery gin lovers will be amazed by the use of tradition blended with modern techniques. Take their Signature Gin, it features notes of citrus and coriander; where the Barrel Aged Gin is rich, oaky and features a unique undertone. With a stunning art deco building, interactive tours and a diverse range of products, this is one gin distillery you must visit in 2024!
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.
For more cool and creative gin destinations, check out this list of the Best Gin Bars in Adelaide. Or sip through these 5 Creative, Quirky and Easy Gin and Tonic Cocktail Recipes.
