Husk Distillers Ink Dry Gin (700ml)

First unveiled at the Australian Boutique Drinks Festival 'Top Shelf' in August 2015, NSW producers 'Husk Distillers' made quite the stir with their Australian Ginnovation, 'Ink Dry Gin'.

Based in Tumbulgum, NSW (North of Byron Bay), distiller Paul Messenger has incorporated 14 botanicals into the mix, highlighting juniper, locally grown lemon myrtle, Tasmanian pepper berries and the exotic bois bande. Yet, for most, the star of the show are the 'Butterfly pea flowers' (often used as a colourant in Southeast Asian cooking), which have resulted in an eye-catching bluish/violet coloured gin. The flowers have an incredibly sensitive pH balance, meaning even the slightest shift in acidity can turn a beverage from deep blue, to a pink blush, i.e. Tonic!

The distillery has also produced an Australian Agricole (sugar cane) styled Rum and cane spirit, both of which are outstanding.

Tasting notes: Striking translucent French blue colour with mauve edges. Intriguing, floral soft aromas develop juniper, lemon gelato, thyme, sweet oregano and white pepper following through with bright and zesty flavours of lemon gelato, late juniper, white pepper and pleasing spirit warmth. Turns delicately bitter; hints of thyme and distant juniper in the fade. A novel floral-citrusy style to enjoy on its own, with minimal dilution or in dazzling cocktails. 43% Alc./Vol.