The team here at Bartender HQ gets pretty excited about new brands, especially when they are local and a couple of hardworking Aussies are living their passion to create awesome hooch. And that’s the story with Brendan & Laura Carter, the masterminds behind Applewood Distillery in the Adelaide Hills. And if you haven’t heard of them, well you need to get your butt to the Indie Tasting on Sunday, 29th May because they will be launching three of their brands to the Brissie market. So here’s what they will have on show:
Applewood Distillery Gin. When the Carters first imported their still in 2012 the intent was always to play around with Gin and Whisky – and after 3 years of trial-after-trial, they struck the formula they were looking for with a citrus-driven and floral Gin that has an interplay of fragrance, depth and vibrancy. Inspired by spring-time in the Adelaide Hills, distilled from grape-based spirit and composed of the following botanicals: Juniper Berries, Coriander Seed, Angelica Root, Ginger Root, Lemon Myrtle, Earl Grey Tea, Lavender, Vanilla, Cardamom, Macadamia, Lemon and Orange Peel. Strength: 43% abv
Økar. A spin on the word ochre, this is an Amaro, a bitter/herbal aperitif like Aperol or Campari. Whilst aperitifs in this category are generally marketed alongside images of the Amalfi coastline, roadsters with the top down, winding roads and a spritzer in-hand, the Carters went for a bit of a local spin on this and imagined “chilling at the beach – be it Noosa, Bondi or Cottesloe”. “We like to take an Australian-spin on things,” they say, “and dry aperitifs seem to epitomise a renaissance in contemporary Australian drinking.” Riberries aren’t the only stars in this beverage – alongside we see Lemon Myrtle, Gentian Root, Licorice Root, Wormwood, Sweet Orange Peel, Cassia Bark and Cinchona Bark (to name a few). Økar is a low alcohol (12%) aperitif, best served as a spritzer – with sparkling wine/Prosecco, a dash of soda – and (if you can find it) – a crushed Lemon Myrtle leaf – alternatively, a bit of Orange peel goes a long way!
Red Økar. is the grown up big brother of Økar – a higher alcohol (26%) aperitif, with a more intense Riberry-hit. Best served in a Negroni – with an Australian-twist…or perhaps (for the more hardcore) – an Americano (Australiano anyone?). For more information visit www.applewooddistillery.com.au
Indie Tasting lands in Brisbane on Sunday, 29th May and is Australia’s only independent spirits showcase. Packed with live music, 100-plus craft and boutique spirits, this event is just $20 if you book online. So, click here to book your tickets now!
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