On International Women’s Day every year, the voices and stories of women across the world are celebrated, as we address the issues that cause gender inequality and diversity. But despite these issues remaining, such voices and stories take a backseat once the day is done.
We think it’s worth doing the opposite and actively challenging the issues that create these gaps in our industry. So, we’ve launched this weekly series, Wednesday Women, where we’ll profile the stories of the inspiring women in this great and wide industry.
Today we speak with Sarah Prowse, Head of Production and Distilling at Four Pillars, whom she began working with in 2020 after a 15-year stint in winemaking.
Explaining what drove her to pursue distilling, Prowse told The Shout: “Cam and the team at Four Pillars always looked like they were having way too much fun. They were creating these fabulous gins and enjoying every minute of it. After a particularly difficult and long vintage, compounded by Covid restrictions and no international vintage staff, I just couldn’t say no when Cam offered me the role. I haven’t looked back!”
Prowse first joined Four Pillars as a distiller and admits she was concerned she might find distilling monotonous, and feared creating the same gins over and over. Quickly, she realised the finesse required to work with each individual still and botanical throughout the seasons.
“Winemakers have a very short period each year to create the best product they can, despite what Mother Nature might throw at the vineyard. In contrast, distilling requires you to create a product of consistent quality every single time, even with seasonal changes in botanicals. It demands constant calibration, adaptability, and extreme attention to detail,” she explains.
Since then, Prowse has become deeply passionate about distilling, and she says it’s an honour to hold the title of Head of Production and Distilling at Four Pillars.
“I get to make gin with an incredible team on beautiful Carl stills, using amazing recipes from our previous Master Distiller, Cameron Mackenzie. More recently, I’ve had the privilege to start creating my own recipes, and I can’t wait to launch one in particular that I’m super proud of this year,” she continued.
“My other favourite parts of the role include working with local growers and producers, sourcing local and Australian botanicals for our gins. It’s not only a huge win for sustainability, but Australian producers are amazing, and their produce is some of the best in the world.”
Shining on the global stage
In her four-year career with Four Pillars, Prowse already has a number of accolades behind her, and an array of milestone moments to look back on.
“Every medal and trophy win feels wonderful, but winning the 2023 IWSC International Gin Producer award was indescribable. I felt very honoured to share the moment with Cam and accepting that trophy on stage for the entire Four Pillars family was truly magnificent,” she recalls.
Along with this incredible achievement, Prowse also had the honour of being inducted into the prestigious Gin Guild last year, alongside Mackenzie.
“The induction itself was incredible, and both Cam and I loved every minute of the history and ceremony. Meeting other distillers I’ve admired was a dream, including a true girl-crush moment with Dr. Anne Brock, the Master Distiller at Bombay Sapphire, and Lesley Gracie, Master Distiller at Hendrick’s Gin. I feel incredibly privileged to be included in a group with true industry greats who have paved – and continue to pave – the way for gin throughout the world.”
Seeking inspiration
A crucial part of Prowse’s role is ensuring that Four Pillars stays ahead of trends and consumer demands, keeping the distillery at the forefront of the spirits industry. Living in Melbourne, where she is surrounded by some of the best bars, restaurants and producers in the world, Prowse says she is constantly inspired to try new things.
“Ultimately, my job is to ensure that the gins you enjoyed from Four Pillars five years ago will be just as exceptional – if not better – in the next five years. Gin is supposed to be fun; I want to make products that create great drinks, whether in the hands of skilled bar staff or for anyone at home throwing together a gin and tonic at the end of the week,” she stated.
With that in mind, her ambitions for the year ahead are bold.
“There are so many exciting releases happening in 2025, including two I’m super chuffed about that have been made with incredible women I hugely admire. My true ambition and driving force is to keep creating exceptional gins that are truly worthy of the Four Pillars name and, just as importantly, to maintain the fun that has always been at the heart of Four Pillars.”