Hurdle Creek Still Yardarm Gin (700ml)

Commencing operation in March 2016, this family run, Milawa based distillery is unlike many Australian gin distillers, choosing to make their own base spirit rather than buying it in bulk. Distilled a minimum of three times using Victorian unmalted barley and oats blended with malted barley, vapour infused botanicals are grown locally and include coriander, fennel, hops, pink pepper corns, orange peel and lime leaves. The intent is to grow liquorice, aniseed, lemon and aniseed myrtle along with juniper.

Yardarm is described as a "vapour infused New World style" and named for the horizontal spar that supports sails on a square rigged sailing ship. Tradition has it that once the sun has risen in the sky above the yardarm, as viewed from the deck below, it's time for the first gin of the day.

Tasting note: Crystal clear with a slightly oily appearance in the glass. Generous aromas of citrus zest, sweet oregano, thyme and delicate lavender over ripe juniper. Air contact emphasises piney juniper. Deceptively soft entry builds with off dry, fresh flavours of lemon verbena, pepperberry, lemon gelato and a medium long, creamy, lemon-accented finish. Well rounded with nice vibrancy and length. Auspicious beginnings. 42% Alc./Vol.