The world of gin is all the richer with the launch of Four Pillars Gin, a modern Australian rare dry gin distilled in Victoria’s Yarra Valley.
Four Pillars Gin – Photo © Cocktails & Bars
Small batch production, locally sourced ingredients and a new world style give the spirit a stand out identity.
Four Pillars Gin is owned by Stuart Gregor, Cameron Mackenzie and Matt Jones whose aim was to create a rare dry gin inspired by Australian botanicals.
The gin is distilled in a German-made copper still named Wilma, using grain spirit and ten botanicals: juniper berries, lemon myrtle, Tasmanian pepper berry leaf, coriander seeds, cardamom pods, cinnamon, lavender, star anise, angelica and fresh oranges. Nine botanicals are distilled together in the pot while the fresh oranges go separately in a botanical basket.
Soft citrus is evident on the nose along with some spice and a hint of juniper. “Juniper is the canvas but not the dominant botanical,” distiller Cameron Mackenzie explains. The gin is equally soft and smooth on the palate and does not have the alcohol burn for its ABV of 41.8%. The lavender adds floral lift which becomes more evident as you sip. The liquid mellows in the glass with a creamy mouthfeel and a sweet finish attributed to the use of fresh orange, lemon myrtle and the purity of alcohol.
Four Pillars Gin goes very well in a G&T, made with 45ml of Four Pillars Rare Dry Gin topped with Quina Fina Tonic Water and garnished with a ruby red grapefruit and a Martini, made with 60ml of Four Pillars Rare Dry Gin, 30 ml of Dolin Dry Vermouth shaken with ice, double strained and garnished with a twist of orange. The recommended serve is a Negroni made with 45ml of gin, 45 ml Campari and 45 ml of Red Cocchi Vermouth Di Torino.
Four Pillars Gin plan to produce an Old Tom-style barrel-aged gin then a sloe gin in the near future. The gin is distributed though Vanguard Luxury Brands and is available online and through selected liquor retailers for RRP $70.
This article was originally published on December 10, 2013 on our sister website Gourmantic.
