If you're on the lookout for a Scottish-style gin made with Australian native botanicals in regional Victoria, this is for you.
Good news for the gin lovers in the region: Kilderkin Distillery has opened the doors to its cellar door in Ballarat.
Founded back in 2016 by master distillers, Scott Wilson-Browne and Chris Pratt (no, not that one) plus partners Rebecca Mathews and Vanessa Wilson-Browne, Kilderkin Distillery have been making a name for themselves with their Larrikin Gin, imbuing the heart of Ballarat and Aussie larrikinism in every drop, making for a seriously good gin, that’s no laughing matter.
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In four main varieties – Original Larrikin, Scoundrel, Buccaneer and Barrel-Aged – plus speciality releases like Scarlet Begonia, Lola, Sunburnt Country, and Cherry Lush, Larrikin Gin bottles the harmless prankster, a bit of cheek and a load of irreverence into high-quality spirits that can be enjoyed by everyone, including those with a preference for drinking their spirits neat, as well as those who like to add their favourite mixers. These gins have attracted a number of national and international awards, including the Buccaneer Navy Strength Gin which was judged as the top Victorian gin at the 2020 Australian Distilled Spirits Awards.
Right now we are all about the original Australian Larrikin which is infused with botanicals complementing the juniper and coriander base – along with notes of lemon and hints of spice! So. Damn. Good.
While before you could just get your hands on this gin online or at local markets, gin lovers have been gifted a brand new destination to try out.
Further proof of Victoria’s growing distillery industry (we’re all obsessed, we know), Kilderkin Distillery in Ballarat has begun welcoming locals and tourists alike, after its cellar doors opened showcasing the expansion of the distillery’s operations to cater for increasing visitor numbers.
The refurbishment of the site was undertaken with a focus on production which restarted in April 2021, supported in part by a Government grant – enabling the distillery to meet ongoing demand, expand production and begin exporting to the world. Following refurbishment, Kilderkin Distillery has since undergone a major redevelopment, including the creation of their Distillery Door which showcases a range of gins under the Larrikin Gin brand.
Opening at 14A Hill Street, Mount Pleasant, the cellar door will be open on Thursdays (11am to 5pm) Fridays (11am to 7pm) and Saturdays and Sundays (11am to 5pm).
As you can expect, the cellar door will be celebrating all things gin, with gin tasting flights, gin and tonics (and other mixers), gin liqueurs, select cocktails, or beer or wine.
Cheese platters are also available if you want to sit and stay a while or you can simply call in to buy your favourite gin or liqueur to take home.
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Kilderkin Distillery’s redevelopment will make a significant contribution to the region and more broadly to the Victorian economy, creating job opportunities and becoming a key contributor in attracting visitors to Ballarat.
“We are very thankful for the Government’s financial support during the pandemic but also its ongoing support to our industry and promotional campaigns that help to expose our industry to a broader audience and attract more visitors to distillery doors,” says Kilderkin Distillery Owners Chris Pratt and Rebecca Mathews.
You can book your spot at the cellar door by calling 0423 000 166 or by emailing [email protected]. Alternatively, you can still purchase gin online here.