Did you know Ipswich has its own award-winning boutique craft distillery? Well, you do now!
Imbibis Artisan Spirits, located in Bundamba, is a small business success story worth celebrating with a tasting room and cellar door worth visiting, and a range of spirits most definitely worth sampling.
Founded by award-winning winemaker Jason Hannay and his wife, Maree, Imbibis prides itself on using only premium Australian ingredients in its small, bespoke gin batches, including bottle brush, lemon myrtle, native pepper berry, and anise myrtle, with many ingredients grown in the Hannay’s very own backyard.
If it’s a unique gin tasting experience you’re looking for, a trip to the Imbibis distillery and cellar door should be on your list!
Open most Fridays (check their Facebook page for opening times), you can enjoy a G&T or Imbibis cocktail while relaxing on the big leather chesterfield couches, or even indulge in a tasting paddle with friends.
Bring your own tapas or snacks to enjoy while you toast to the week that was and sample the full range of Imbibis delights.
Imbibis also hosts several special events throughout the year, from gin and chocolate tastings through to live music events, paint and sip nights, and private functions.
When it comes to creating distinctive gins and brandy, Imbibis is leading the way.
Chief Distiller Jason consulted local Imbibis fans to help create Heritage Gin – a nod to the people, places, history, and flavours of Ipswich. It sold out in record time, as did Imbibis’ colour-changing Jacaranda Gin – another gin-lover’s favourite. Who doesn’t love a purple-hued gin?
While Imbibis was established on gin, Jason has also created several award-winning brandies, and recently launched Limecello, made with local limes, just in time for Christmas. An Imbibis rum is also on the horizon.
Imbibis artisan spirits have been recognised on both the Australian and world stage, having taken home the following coveted awards:
· Clarity: Silver Australian Distilled Spirits Awards 2022, Bronze London Spirits Competition 2022
· Single Cask Release Brandy (Batch 4): Silver London Spirits Competition 2022
· Three Myrtles: Silver London Spirits Competition 2021
· Passion: Hottest 100 Gins of 2021
· Shiraz Brandy: Silver London Spirits Competition 2021, Bronze Australian Distilled Spirits Awards 2021, Silver Australian Distilled Spirits Awards 2020
The history of gin
While it’s rumoured that the Italian monks used juniper berries as flavourings in distilled spirits back in the 11th century, the real “inventor” of gin is Dutch physician Franciscus Sylvius who started prescribing a juniper-based distilled spirit for medicinal purposes in 1550. Thanks, Doc!
Today, gin is enjoying a renaissance period, especially boutique Australian gin, with a considerable rise in popularity and consumption globally. And locally, Ipswich’s own Imbibis is making its mark accordingly.
Imbibis Artisan Spirits cellar door and tasting room:
Unit 5 / 1 Gliderway St, Bundamba
Open most Fridays. Visit www.facebook.com/imbibisartisanspirits for updated opening hours and information on their new releases.
If you can’t make it to Ipswich to visit the Imbibis cellar door and tasting room, the range is available online at www.imbibis.com.au.
