Lovers of gin now have a new reason to visit the Sapphire Coast of NSW – Gin School!
Gin School is run by partners and co-owners, Karen Touchie and Gavin Hughes of North of Eden, the multi award-winning tiny distillery nestled in the rolling green hinterland of Australia’s pristine Sapphire Coast.
“Gin School is definitely the naughtiest school in town and a huge amount of fun. Whether you’re a lover of gin, a budding alchemist or simply want to try something new, it’s a great afternoon that offers something for everyone,” said North of Eden owner, Karen Touchie.
“Classes are run by our Master Distiller, Gavin, and he’ll tell you everything you want to know about the ‘dark arts’ of distillation.
“He’ll help you create your very own gin recipe before letting you loose on one of our gorgeous copper stills where you’ll transform your ingredients into a bespoke bottle of gin to take home,” Karen continued.
Gin School at North of Eden is a three-hour immersive experience and includes a light lunch, three complimentary drinks and, of course, a full-sized bottle of gin that “graduates” can show-off to friends and family. Best of all, students will be learning their craft at a distillery that has won international medals for all of its gins, and whose Oyster Shell Gin was recently named Gin of the Year 2021 by international gin judge and communicator, ‘The Gin Queen’, Caroline Ashford.
“We usually take Gin School ‘enrolments’ for groups only with a minimum of six and maximum of 12 students, but we’re currently booking in singles and couples for Gin School on two upcoming dates,” concluded Karen.
Places are selling fast for the next singles and couples Gin School on Friday 30th September 2022, perfect in the NSW/ACT School Holidays, and again on Friday 27th January 2023, perfect for an Australian Day long weekend. For larger groups of friends planning a trip to the Sapphire Coast, group classes are also available.
North of Eden also has a weekend cellar door offering gin tastings, a great range of cocktails and some amazing country views.
To find out more and to book visit www.northofeden.com.au
IMAGE CREDIT: David Rogers Photography
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About North of Eden:
- Tiny Distillery. World Class Gin.
- North of Eden is the Sapphire Coast’s first and most awarded gin distillery.
- Established in 2018 by owner and Master Distiller Gavin Hughes and his partner and co-owner Karen Touchie, this tiny distillery is punching above its weight on the world stage.
- All of North of Eden’s gins have won medals at the two biggest spirit competitions in the world – the International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) in London and the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
- Its bestselling Oyster Shell Gin was named Gin of the Year 2021 by international gin judge and communicator, Caroline Ashford[1]. Awarded to the best new release of the year.
- A unique feature of this tiny rural distillery is that all its gins are handcrafted on two small 100 litre copper alembic stills.
- This type of still was being used by distillers over 1200 years ago, making North of Eden a true artisan distillery.
- Producing only 400 bottles at a time, North of Eden may be old-school in terms of scale and process, but their gins speak the whirlwind of botanical innovation that is making Australian gin-making so exciting.
- North of Eden has a weekend cellar door and also runs a Gin School for visitors looking for a more immersive gin experience.
- The distillery is nestled in the rolling green hinterland of Australia’s pristine Sapphire Coast, approximately 10km north of Bega.
[1] https://theginqueen.com/2021/12/top-10-australian-gins-2021/
The Gins:
- North of Eden’s gin range includes:
- The Connoisseur – designed with cocktails in mind, this gin features seaweed that the owners forage from the region’s pristine beaches. $85 RRP.
- The Classic – designed to make the perfect gin and tonic, this gin features native Australian finger limes grown at the distillery. $75 RRP.
- The Admiral – this Navy Strength Gin features kurrajong seeds harvested from a tree just behind the distillery. $99 RRP.
- Oyster Shell Gin – named Gin of the Year 2021, this gin features shells sourced from local oyster farmers as well as saltbush and cumquats from the distillery garden. $85 RRP.
- The Bridge – designed to be savoured over ice, the flavour profile of this limited edition Barrel Aged Gin sits beautifully between a gin and a whisky. Sold out online, this gin is now only available at North of Eden’s cellar door. $149 RRP.
Cellar Door:
- North of Eden’s cellar door is open each Saturday and Sunday and offers visitors a unique and intimate distillery experience.
- Visitors can enjoy a guided gin tasting of the full North of Eden range, or simply relax in the Gin Garden with a cocktail in hand and some seriously big country views.
- Visitors can also meet the distillery’s two pet Highland Cows, Hamish and Jessie.
- The cellar door doesn’t serve food, but visitors are more than welcome to bring their own picnic to enjoy with drinks from the small onsite bar.
- Licensed for a maximum of 30 people, the cellar door offers visitors a chance to relax and unwind in a peaceful farm setting.
- Bookings are recommended. For more information about opening hours and to book, visit www.northofeden.com.au
Gin School:
- Gin School is just that, a school where you get to learn how to make gin!
- This premium experience is for lovers of gin, budding alchemists and adventurous souls.
- Gin School students find out about the dark arts of distillation while creating their own gin recipe from North of Eden’s pantry of flavourful botanicals.
- This three-hour immersive experience is run by the Master Distiller and includes lunch, three complimentary drinks and, best of all, your own bespoke bottle of gin to take home.
- Gin School is usually reserved for group bookings only (minimum of 6 people, maximum of 12), but for a limited time Gin School can be booked by individuals in special singles and couples Gin School. These dates are Friday 30th September 2022, perfect in the NSW/ACT School Holidays (this class is almost sold out), and again on Friday 27th January 2023, perfect for an Australian Day long weekend.
- Gin School is $203.70 per person if you would like a still to yourself. If you’re happy to share your still with a friend, it is $143.80 per person.
- For a full list of Gin School dates and to book visit www.northofeden.com.au
- Bookings essential.
More information:
www.northofeden.com.au
Follow on Facebook: North of Eden, and Instagram @northofedengin
IMAGE CREDIT: David Rogers Photography
