April 19, 2023
A little over two years ago, Clovely Estate head winemaker Nick Pesudovs started experimenting with a new product for the South Burnett … gin.
Now just 12 months after Clovely released its first gin bottles on the market – under the brand “South Burnett Distillers” – its Apinya label has brought home a silver medal from the prestigious London Spirits Competition.
Nick told southburnett.com.au he had initially been nervous to submit Apinya to the competition as London was considered the “home” of gin.
But now he’s feeling pretty chuffed.
The South Burnett Distillers’ gins are based on spirit distilled from Clovely’s own sauvignon grapes.
Nick believes this could be the difference between the South Burnett Distillers’ products and most other boutique distillers in Australia, who start with the same base spirit before adding their botanicals.
“Because we distil our own spirit, the texture and flavour is unique,” Nick said.
“It adds a soft, velvety texture to the final drink rather than a rough alcohol taste.”
This meant the gin could be drunk straight with ice without the need for mixers.
South Burnett Distillers currently is producing four gins and one vodka product, which can be bought from the Clovely Estate cellardoor at Moffatdale or online.
There are also plans to release a brandy (the product is already maturing in barrels) in 2024.
“We’re trying to do something different and this international accolade shows that we’re on the right path,” Nick said.
“The London Spirits Competition awards the world’s best spirits, and we’re honoured to be included in that list.”
The award-winning Apinya gin features aromatic botanicals including lemongrass, lime peel, ginger and coconut.
“It’s like a green curry without the chilli!” Nick joked.
He chose the Apinya gin for the competition as it had been extremely popular at Clovely’s cellardoor.
The 2023 London Spirits Competition received more than 2000 entries from 80 countries.
“For a fledgling distiller to be recognised at this level is truly humbling and an acknowledgement of the massive effort we put in to design such a beautiful drink,” Nick said.
“Receiving this award on the global stage will have an enormous impact on our industry and tourism, promoting Australia’s South Burnett region locally and to the world.”
