A Haigslea distiller has been awarded two silver medals for their modern Australian gin and their first release barrel of Shiraz brandy.
Imbibis owner Maree Hannay said the wins at the 2020 Australian Distilled Spirits Awards in the first year of business was unexpected.
“We are thrilled to be a silver medallist as it really confirms that all the hard work is paying off and our products really are of a high standard,” Mrs Hannay said.
Imbibis owner and distiller Jason Hannay said he kept busy during lockdown working on new drinks made from local ingredients.
“We managed to create an Australian dry gin which celebrates our native botanicals as well as some locally sourced ingredients to give that local stamp of authority,” Mr Hannay said.
“Think juniper, coriander, angelica root fused with lemon myrtle, cinnamon myrtle, anise myrtle, dorrigo pepper leaf, and local olive leaf from Cedar Gully olives.”
Locally grown hibiscus flowers provide the colour for a second new drink he created, which is an Australian pink gin.
“We celebrate everything pink with this one, juniper, coriander, angelica root, licorice root, orris root, strawberry gum, native hibiscus, rose buds and rose hip.”
It’s been a tough year to start a new business but the Hannays are going from strength to strength.
“We have managed to come out the other side strict COVID restrictions and get these wins assessed by 26 of Australia’s leading industry experts, against 162 other distillers.” he said.
“It’s nice to be rewarded for excellence in this growing industry.”
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