Behind a homestead that was once the Barley Mow Hotel, is a back shed converted into one of Australia’s top distilleries. The epicentre of the room is a lustrous copper pot still, emanating an omnipresence that allures us with its intoxicating spirit. 

Back in November we had the good fortune of being invited to Bathurst to check out the Australian Spirit legends at Stone Pine Distillery. A GoGet maxi with the kids saw us heading over the mountains in search of some of Australia’s tastiest distilled booze, with a few Aussie pub pitstops to make sure they were keeping the beer cold. 

Upon arriving we are greeted by the Nip of Courage team who had the lovely Mr & Mrs Romance in toe and we were led to the keeper of stills, Ian Glen, a Scottish biochemist turned distiller, who settled with his family in Bathurst with the aim of establishing Bathurst’s first micro-distillery. 

A massive advocate for the use of native botanicals, Ian cracked a heap of intrinsic elixirs that had passed through his still. From Finger Lime Vodka, Orange Blossom gin, Dead Man’s Drop rum and their classic Dry Gin. Such an interesting diverse range, the botanicals are complimentary of the alcohol. You won’t find yourself sucking on any perfume-like characteristics. Super tasty delectable tipples tantalised our tastebuds, this urged us to pull out some of our lemon myrtle and Riberry/Egyptian ice tea syrups to mix with cocktails. The kids even even mixed a non-alcoholic drink or two.

If heading to Bathurst, make sure you make the detour to Stone Pine. Alternatively, if you’re heading to an independent bottle shop, make sure you try some of their tasty booze. Great to see such Aussie booze making drinks so piquant.