Brisbane Gin Distilleries

Brisbane may have built its reputation as a prosperous beer-brewing city – from its craft micro-breweries to its big-name operations – but there’s more than beer bubbling away in this beverage-loving capital. These days, its spirits scene has soared to dizzyingly delicious heights, and a selection of innovative and independent gin distilleries are producing tantalising tipples to try – tonic optional.

Warehouse 25, Milton

Milton’s moody Warehouse 25 is where you’ll find the gin lovers of Brisbane assembled. Home to CALM Spirits Co, Warehouse 25 is filled with the alluring scent of locally sourced botanicals. With the spirit of calmness in mind, founders Cam and Al endeavour to use botanicals that lessen stress and reduce anxiety – think lavender and chamomile. Swap your herbal tea for a botanical G&T at Warehouse 25.

Eleven Bridges, South Brisbane

Among the cultural precinct and dining destinations of South Brisbane, Eleven Bridges Gin Bar and Distillery presents a sanctuary for gin drinkers to unwind, dine and browse the bottled gin section at its on-site bottleshop. The bar’s drinks menu supports fellow local distillers, and inspires with inventive cocktails (lamington espresso martini, anyone?). Of course Eleven Bridges also features its own distilled favourites that celebrate Brisbane and its bridges – try the William Jolly Summer Gin or the Eleanor Rhubarb Gin.

Fonzie Abbott, Albion

Albion’s Fonzie Abbott is well-known for many of its house brewed beverages, with the likes of their famous coffee, craft beer and iced tea, but now they have become masters in the art of spirit distilling. The distillery’s Wishbone Gin – including its Pink Gin and Navy Gin – have garnered a following among locals in the know. And, at its Fox Street restaurant, you can sample its gin with Long Rays Soda or in a cocktail (like its Watermelon Pear Spritz) alongside a tasty fare.

Bavay Distillery, Morningside

Sitting pretty among the heritage buildings of RiverMakers in Brisbane’s South, Morningside is Bavay Distillery – home to a finessed collection of spirits, including its vibrant gins. Watch the magic of distilling in action, learn to make your own spirits, order bottled spirits with tailored labels, and sample a cocktail (or two) at the bar featuring the much-loved Forbidden Fruits house-distilled gin.

White Lies Brewing, Multiple locations

In Brisbane’s western suburb of Sumner, White Lies Brewing has distilled a range of spirits that are bound to convert even the most fastidious beer drinkers to dabble in a botanical tipple. Its ‘Ginisis’ line features the likes of a wasabi gin, mandarin gin, pink gin, a native fingerlime gin and so much more. It’s not hard to see why this location has become a favourite among Brisbane Gin lovers.

Nosferatu Distillery, Bowen Hills

Having become well loved for its Nosferatu Blood Orange Gin, character-filled, Bowen-Hills-based Nosferatu Distillery has grown its film-inspired range to include a Mandrake Cucumber and Mint Gin, Bunyip Sticky Gin, Giselle Pavola Gin), and more lively spirits. You can also visit the pooch-friendly bar and cafe to sample captivating cocktails on site.

By.Artisans, West End 

Opening in late November, By.Artisans is dedicated to crafted quality gin that reflects a community ethos. The By.Artisans signature gin and its bottle are intended as a blank canvas for artists and creatives to meld to their vision, opening a world of possibility for makers and gin drinkers alike. Visit their bright and airy venue for a coffee of a morning, a crisp G&T of an afternoon and a cocktail as you linger into the night.

Regional Gin Distilleries just beyond Brisbane

A little further flung, just a short day trip from the city’s centre, lives newly opened and long-established gin distilleries that dapple Brisbane’s picturesque regions. Here’s where to sip your gin with a side of scenery.

Cauldron Distillery, Tamborine Mountain

Cauldron Distillery is perched on Tambourine Mountain where it presents its award-winning gin range in many different ways. Serving up their range of gin’s on a tasting paddle served with artisan mixers and enticing garnishes, or you can enjoy seasonal cocktails at the Cauldron Bar with mountain-inspired fare to snack on. Here, visitors can also participate in a gin-making class, bring along picnic gear to luxuriate at their leisure, listen to live music, and savour the flavours of specialty gins.

Tamborine Mountain Distillery, Tamborine Mountain

In its 30 years of operation, Tamborine Mountain Distillery has received more than 300 international awards. Alongside its delicious, creatively infused gins, this distillery is famed for its liqueurs. Its Tudor-style home looks like something out of a fairytale, and, inside, tinctures and mysterious jarred objects line the walls. It’s also home to a museum, where visitors can learn about distilling, and a cellar door, where guests can take time to try its exciting and ever-evolving range of spirits.