Nestled in the Byron Bay Hinterland, family-run Cape Byron Distillery is a must-visit for gin lovers. The distillery is a great place to learn more about gin and grow your gin appreciation.
This boutique distillery captures and showcases the unique terroir of the Northern Rivers in its rainforest infused gin. The estate's subtropical rainforest provides a plethora of unique edible native species and botanicals including Davidson plum, aniseed myrtle and cinnamon myrtle. Of the 26 botanicals in Brookie's Byron Dry Gin, 18 are sourced locally, many from the surrounding rainforest.
Jim McEwan is the master distiller at Brookie's Gin and alongside co-founder Eddie Brook, the duo are creating an exciting, lively and aromatic gin unique to the region.
On a recent trip to the Byron Bay hinterland, Cape Byron Distillery's charismatic Matteo treated our group to a taste of what guests would expect from a distillery tour. On arrival, we're greeted with a refreshing Brookie's Gin & tonic and I'm in love already! Sipping this beauty it's hard to keep focused on the tour, but it's worth it to hear the journey of Brookie's Gin, the story of the incredible Brook farm and the art of distillation.
We opted to keep sipping gin on the verandah overlooking the magnificent macadamia farm, but normally you'd be taken on a guided tour through the surrounding sub-tropical rainforest, to smell, see and touch the botanicals used in the gin.
It was fascinating to see the distillation process and hear about how they make their Brookie's Byron Slow Gin, which is created using Davidson Plum, a unique fruit indigenous to the subtropical rainforest of Northern NSW. Made in the style of traditional English 'sloe' gin (see what they did there) the Davidson Plums are steeped in Brookie's Byron Dry Gin for several months, allowing time to create its magic.
Cape Byron Distillery Cellar Door is located in the hinterland of Byron Bay and is open for tours every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Tours run for 2-2.5 hours so allow plenty of time to relax and enjoy a G&T on the deck. Bookings are essential and can be made here.
So on World Gin Day or any weekend in fact, a detour from Byron Bay to this hinterland gin haven is a must.
Cape Byron Distillery
80 St Helena Rd, McLeods Shoot NSW 2479 ph: 02 6684 7691
Open Friday, Saturday, Sunday by appointment
Check Cape Byron Distillery website for more details.
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