Distilled Spirits

Distilled spirits are the concentrated backbone of the drinks world — produced by fermenting a base material and then distilling it to raise the alcohol content well above what fermentation alone can achieve. The major categories each start from different raw materials: whisky from grain, rum from sugarcane, brandy from wine, vodka from grain or potatoes, and gin from a neutral spirit redistilled with botanicals.

Spirits are typically consumed in small measures — neat, on the rocks, or as the base of mixed drinks and cocktails. Each category carries its own flavour spectrum, from the peaty intensity of Scotch whisky to the juniper-forward botanicals of gin.

Australia has a thriving craft distilling scene, with local producers making internationally awarded whiskies, gins, and rums from domestic ingredients.