Nine Circles Distillery

There is every chance that I am biased here, because my niece, her hubby, his best buddy and their kids are all a part of this new distillery in Pambula on the south coast of New South Wales. But I'll be darned if they are not making a quality drop here. Each of their gins pictured are medal winners, and for a small business, they are going great guns. This is also a labour of love and legacy for their kids.

Let's start with their Signature Gin. Its a lovely mix of an old school London dry style but packed with 14 different botanicals. Look for citrus, spice and liquorice, and some notes of citrus skin. There is an almost marmalade note at the back of the palate. It demands a quality tonic and would do well with a Strangelove Coastal Tonic and a slice of blood orange.

Pink Gin is a thing and more distillers need to think outside the square. Silver Medal winner at the Australian Gin Awards, this is both flavoured and coloured with local rhubarb and raspberries but has lovely forest and spice notes, with the presence of sandalwood and Tasmanian Pepperberry, a native spice which packs a punch. I would top this with an elderflower soda, or add to a quirky martini with some Maidenaii sweet vermouth and garnish with a raspberry or two. It's a ripper and a new favourite to serve to guests in our house.

The Australian Gin is similarly blessed with botanicals, including Lemon Myrtle, Saltbush and Tasmanian Pepperberry. They each bring something to the table and in my mind, this is the gin for the beach house. On top of its lovely dry characters, its briny, zesty and has delicious pepper notes, I am having this soda and fresh lime, with a plate of crispy fish and chip shop flake and chippies, and maybe a potato cake cos thats how I roll.

Vodka, Sloe Gin, Dulcies Cottage gin and their new whisky are all worth checking out at Cellar Door. They host live music, have great food options including a Mexican Friday and Saturday night and platters and sangers for the rest of the week. Jump onto their Instagram here and say g'day to Cat and Ben when you visit.

Head to their cellar door at 36 Bullara Street, Pambula NSW

Open 7 days a week (check web for times).

https://www.ninecircles.com.au/