Manly Spirits Co is launching its first-ever limited summer release with Amber Spiced Gin, created in collaboration with Campos Coffee, to be launched online today and at the distillery from 30 October.
For Manly Spirits Founders Vanessa and David Wilton the idea was to create a refreshing summer gin that would be perfect for the festive season.
“Summer holidays for us on the beaches is all about endless days in the waves,” Vanessa said.
“Every year David and I look forward to those days in-between Christmas and New Year where there’s no schedule or agenda – where you can forget about the worries of the year, enjoying the ocean, and sharing a drink with friends.
“This is what we wanted to capture in our Amber Spiced Gin, reminding ourselves to relax and let go of the crazy year we’ve found ourselves in, and appreciate the beautiful Australian beaches on our doorstep.”
With botanicals of Cascara (dried coffee husk), Vanilla Pod, Orange Zest, Finger Lime, Cinnamon, Wattle Seed, Cardamom, Mountain Pepper Leaf, Coriander Seed, Angelica Root, Orris Root and Juniper Berries, Amber Spiced Gin carries an enticing amber colour which comes from an 18-hour infusion of cascara and vanilla.
‘We tried distilling cascara at first,” said Thiago Lopes, the distiller behind Amber Spiced Gin, “but found that infusing the cascara actually brought out more of those sweeter raisin-like flavours from the cascara, which made that candied-fruit characteristic a lot bolder – just how we like it.
“Our gins are known for celebrating bold and unique flavours, and we wanted to do the same with this summer gin.”
With Vanessa’s family having a background in growing coffee up in the hinterlands of Byron, it only made sense that Manly Spirits’ first festive gin would be a family affair.
“We used a combination of Campos cascara, and my dad’s cascara from his farm in Byron. I have fond memories of roaming the rows of coffee trees, so it was very special to be able to call on dad for this summery Christmas gin,” Vanessa said.
The Amber Spiced Gin is available from today from Manly Spirits Co and is delightful served with premium Indian tonic and garnished with fresh orange. Other cocktails include Liquid Amber Negroni and the Amber Crumble.