A Guide to Australian Gin: Styles, Botanicals and Where to Start

Botanical. Bold. Beautifully made.

Every gin starts with the same rule: juniper must be the dominant flavour. After that, distillers can add almost any botanical they like — and Australian gin makers have made the most of it.

The main gin styles

• London Dry — a production method, not a place. All flavour comes from botanicals distilled together; nothing but water can be added afterwards. Crisp, juniper-forward and dry. Examples: Tanqueray, Beefeater, Sipsmith.
• Contemporary / New Western — juniper still leads, but other botanicals such as citrus, florals or cucumber play a bigger role. Example: Hendrick's.
• Flavoured and pink gins — fruit-led gins, often lower in juniper. Examples: Malfy, Whitley Neill.

What makes Australian gin different?

Australian distillers often use native botanicals alongside juniper: Tasmanian pepperberry, lemon myrtle, finger lime, strawberry gum, wattleseed and river mint. The result is gin with a distinctly local character — citrusy, peppery, eucalyptus-bright.

Australian gin to explore

• Four Pillars (Yarra Valley, VIC) — Rare Dry Gin uses Tasmanian pepperberry and lemon myrtle.
• McHenry Distillery (Tasmania)
• Australian Distilling Co
• Seppeltsfield Road Distillers (Barossa, SA)
• Hellfire Bluff Distillery (Tasmania)
• Poor Toms (Sydney, NSW)
• Never Never Distilling Co (McLaren Vale, SA)
• Kangaroo Island Spirits (Kangaroo Island, SA)

Shop Australian gin or the full gin range.

How to serve

A classic G&T: a tall glass full of ice, 30 ml gin, 90–120 ml good tonic, and a garnish that matches the gin — lime or lemon for London Dry, orange or grapefruit for citrus-led gins, a slice of pepperberry or native herb for Australian botanicals.

FAQ

What's the difference between gin and vodka?
Gin is essentially a neutral spirit re-distilled or infused with botanicals, with juniper as the main flavour. Vodka has no required botanicals.

Does gin need to be refrigerated?
No. Store upright, away from heat and light.

What is Navy Strength gin?
Gin bottled at 57% ABV or higher.

Delivered Australia-wide. Please enjoy responsibly — over 18s only.