The Indie Spirits Tasting is now in its fifth year and in 2019 comes to Melbourne for the very first time.
The Indie Spirits Tasting is put on by the team from Australian Bartender, and takes place on March 31 at The Craft & Co in Collingwood. There are two tasting sessions available on the day, with session one running from 12pm to 2:30pm, and session two going from 3pm to 5:30pm, and tickets are available now — get yours here.
There will be more than 150 independent bottlings from 37 suppliers on offer to taste, from producers both local and international — it’s also the largest gathering of Australian craft distilleries under one roof.
And for some of our exhibitors it will be the first time they are offering some new stuff up for sampling. So, if you want to wrap your lips around a brand new brew, here are just a few that will be on offer:
Pietro Gallo Estate is home to Australia’s newest grappa distillery, cellar door and much-loved Italian restaurant and winery Olivigna. Family owned and operated, this wine, spirits and food estate is a little piece of Italy only 30 minutes from Melbourne CBD and they are showing a bunch of their seven grappas and liqueurs including their Grappa Di Prosecco (42% abv) which is crafted by combining century-old Italian methods and modern distilling techniques. Spicy, full bodied with Prosecco grape undertones and white floral notes. They will also have their espresso grappa, the Grappa al Caffè (25% abv), inspired by the Italian classic ‘Caffè Corretto’ – the beautiful union of espresso coffee with a serve of glorious Grappa. Syrupy-sweet espresso flavours complimented by dark cocoa Tiramisù.
Direct from Grose Vale New South Wales, husband and wife team, Nick and Ally Ayres are producing a range of gins that are all about using fresh and local ingredients. They are launching their Affinity Lightning Gin (57.5% abv) at the upcoming Indie Spirits Tasting Melbourne. Here’s what the duo have to say about it: “The Juniper formality takes you through to a rich burst of flavours across the palate. It begins with a slightly fruity, sweet citrus that the Mandarin offers only to be interrupted by soft honey bush. Rose geranium then takes to the stage with a floral performance handing over to lemon myrtle which pairs perfectly with the Vanilla to finish the show. A mild buzz fills your lips as notes of garden rain remain.”
And last but certainly not least for this post we have a newbie, direct from local producer Melbourne Moonshine who will have their Barrel Aged Apple Pie Shine available for sampling. This special edition Apple Pie is just like it’s younger brother, only mellowed and matured on American Oak. The rich flavours of Apple Pie are accompanied by the soft earthy tannins of lightly toasted oak, finishing with a long sweet caramel that coats the palate and provides a bed for the final notes of crisp green apple.
Stay tuned for more product updates in the coming weeks as the countdown is on with just four short weeks to go. The Indie Spirits Tasting will take place on March 31 at The Craft & Co in Collingwood. There are two tasting sessions available on the day, with session one running from 12pm to 2:30pm, and session two going from 3pm to 5:30pm, and tickets are available now — get yours here.