GINS

Gin as we know it today, is a distilled alcohol that by definition must include the characteristic aroma and flavour of the juniper berry. Even the name itself is derived from the Dutch word for juniper ‘genever’, or the French ‘genièvre’. The quality of the berry and the way the gin is crafted, all play a part in determining the character of fine gins.

Australian gins often use traditional gin botanicals and accent them with native ingredients. Aussie gins have a lifted, botanical intensity that impart flavour without overpowering the juniper and a rich, plump mouthfeel. Lemon myrtle is a popular ingredient and lends a leafy-green citrus character to the gins, while a few are producing salty, savoury versions that reflect the vast ocean surrounds of our sunburnt country.

At Bass & Flinders, drawing inspiration from our coastal home where the sea meets the wine-growing hinterland, our gin begins with eau de vie. Our grape-based eau de vie spirit is hand crafted on site at the distillery using traditional Charentais distillation methods, modelled on the finest of French brandy producers and blended with new world creativity and technology to create uniquely Australian hand crafted spirits.

Find out about the History of Gin.

Australian gins often use traditional gin botanicals and accent them with native ingredients. Aussie gins have a lifted, botanical intensity that impart flavour without overpowering the juniper and a rich, plump mouthfeel. Lemon myrtle is a popular ingredient and lends a leafy-green citrus character to the gins, while a few are producing salty, savoury versions that reflect the vast ocean surrounds of our sunburnt country.

Bass & Flinders Distillery is a small scale, locally-owned Mornington Peninsula distillery located in Dromana. Taking inspiration from our surroundings, we distil high quality, bespoke spirits that truly embody our coastal Australian home. Try our fresh, savoury Maritime Gin - Locally foraged kelp and samphire as well as locally harvested vine leaves compliment dry juniper notes, while coastal saltbush, lemon myrtle and currant bush provide depth of flavour reminiscent of the Australian bush that hugs the coastline of the Mornington Peninsula.

Or try the rich spices and flavours of the East in our Orient Gin- this racy, tangy gin is bursting with flavours of sweet mandarin, native strawberry gum and kaffir lime leaf to balance dry juniper notes. Victorian jujubes, native wattleseed and sesame seed create texture while Sichuan pepper adds dramatic depth of flavour.

Or for lovers of pinot noir and gin alike our seasonal Heartbreak Gin is complex and perfumed with notes of sweet red fruit, spice and floral highlights. Sweet spice carried by our eau de vie grape based spirit distilled on-site sweeps through the palate opening up into brooding dark pinot noir fruits finishing pleasantly textural and savoury with juniper, herbal and oak nuances. Think fresh, floral and fruity.

Gin and tonic. Was there ever a more iconic duo so widely recognised by spirits lovers across the globe?  The phrase “You’re the gin to my tonic” speaks to many about the seemingly perfect combination of these two ingredients mixed together.

Going back in history, this ever-popular cocktail was classically served in a Collins glass or tall glass. At Bass & Flinders we choose to use a shorter styled glass for our single serve Gin & Tonics, with our doubles being served in a tall glass to highlight the pleasantly refreshing taste. A nice twist to the classic G&T can be using ginger ale instead of tonic. Try partnering your Monsoon Gin with ginger ale for a refreshing change. 

Gin is one of the most versatile spirits in your bar. With flavours ranging from herbal or citrus through to floral or spicy, the beautiful complexity of gin creates a broad range of enticing, aromatic and refreshing cocktail classics. 

Here’s some of our favourites at Bass & Flinders…from the crisp Maritime Paloma to our Soft & Smooth Bramble. Spice it up with a Blackberry Jalapeno Sour or treat yourself to a Cerise Martinez.