KIS Whisky Barrel Gin

Kangaroo Island Spirits is riding high on a wave of success after O’Gin was awarded Best Contemporary Gin at last year’s International Wine and Spirits Competition. But with winter well and truly here, it’s common to turn to richer and warming drops like whisky. The good news is you can get the best of both world’s with KIS Whisky Barrel Gin. Aged in barrels formerly used for single-malt Aussie whiskies, this concoction packs the perfect punch of smoke, citrus and vanilla, with that buttery finish reminiscent of a hearty whisky. Sip it neat or class it up in a gin-based Old Fashioned.

Archie Rose Distiller’s Strength Gin

The folks at Archie Rose aren’t afraid to experiment. After all, there are very few distillers who would joke about making a Vegemite gin, let alone actually do it. But they also produce some spectacular classic gins – their multi-award-winning Distiller’s Strength Gin is a firm favourite around here. If you’re in the mood for big, bold flavours, this 52.4% ABV gin drives home complexity and intensity with every sip. With 16 individually distilled botanicals – including local honey and pears grown in Orange – it’s the perfect winter warmer on its own or as the base in a classic Negroni.

Forty Spotted Winter Release

Produced at the famous Lark Distillery in Hobart, Forty Spotted stands on its own and is quickly earning a reputation as one of Tassie’s sharpest gin labels. This special winter release picked up the Best Australian Matured Gin gong at the 2019 World Gin Awards and will play tricks on your palate as it balances classic gin and whisky flavours. Aged in an old bourbon cask, you’ll taste dried fig, grapefruit, ginger, cardamom and serious oaky deliciousness.

Never Never Juniper Freak Gin

One drink is rarely enough, but this 58% ABV gin may give you pause before going back for another. Distilled in a unique triple-juniper process, this is a long, complex, viscous and captivating gin. Never Never Juniper Freak Gin distils the freshness and brightness of North Macedonia’s spectacular juniper, wafting fragrant pine to your nose, splashing your tastebuds with rich and luxurious juniper, and then finishing it all off with a coating of pepperberry. Like a high-quality wine, every release of Juniper Freak is different, so make it a winter tradition to warm up and compare the vintages.

Brogans Way Royal Blood Gin

Urban distilleries are nothing new – especially in Melbourne – but Brogan’s Way is one of the best around. Here, distiller Brogan Carr’s strongest gin yet takes you on a trip around Australia thanks to a variety of phenomenal botanicals. Australian sea parsley, roasted wattleseed, saltbush and mountain pepper leaf are standout flavours, but it’s the lingering heat from the cardamom that will live long in the memory. Brogan suggests drinking Royal Blood Gin either on its own or in a Martini.