Four Pillars 2017 Australian Christmas Gin (700ml)

When Four Pillars founder, Cameron McKenzie was growing up, his late mum, Wilma would make Christmas Puddings on Derby Day while the rest of the family watched the races. So now each year, on Derby Day, Cam distills Christmas puddings by putting them in the botanical basket and distilling a base of juniper, cinnamon, star anise, coriander seed and angelica over the top of them.

Four Pillars also now have gin ageing in several 100+ year old Muscat barrels, including two 125-year-old ex-William Grants whisky barrels that, prior to arriving at Healesville, stored Rutherglen Muscat for 80 years. Cam blends this gin with the Christmas pudding gin and to finish adds a slight tweak of Classic Rutherglen Muscat to round out the palate and add a touch of richness. For the 2017 release he also added a small amount of Muscat that's been maturing at the distillery in old puncheons that used to hold aged Pedro Ximenez in the Barossa Valley, so this year the gin might be even a little bit richer!

More than ever, the result smells like gin and tastes like Christmas. Aromatics of classic juniper and a hint of cinnamon, backed up with a rich, luscious palate with a hint of sweetness from the Muscat and richness from the extended barrel ageing. Sip it neat (it’s dangerously drinkable), make a Christmas Martinez, pour over your pudding or add it to eggnog. As usual, stocks are limited so be quick on the draw to grab some of this! 43.8% Alc./Vol