Four Pillars’ limited edition Australian Christmas Gin is back for its third festive season.
Two years ago, Four Pillars decided to combine a few of its favourite things in a pretty bottle and share it with friends.
The gin is distiller Cameron McKenzie’s tribute to four things he loves: Australia, Christmas, gin and his late mum, Wilma.
Each year Wilma would use the 1968 Australian Women’s Weekly recipe to make her puddings on Victoria Derby Day, the Saturday before Melbourne Cup, while the rest of the family watched the races.
On Derby Day 2015, and again on Derby Day every year from then on, McKenzie distilled some Christmas puddings (homemade to Wilma’s recipe), putting them in the botanical basket of Wilma (Four Pillars’ still) and distilling a base of juniper, cinnamon, star anise, coriander and angelica over the top.
As he did last year and the year before, McKenzie blended this gin with the Christmas pudding gin and to finish added a slight tweak of Classic Rutherglen Muscat to round out the palate and add a touch of richness.
The distillery also add a small amount of our “own” Muscat that is maturing at the distillery in old puncheons that used to hold aged Pedro Ximenez in the Barossa Valley. This extra component adds an additional layer of complexity and richness.
More than ever, the resulting gin smells like gin and tastes like Christmas. Aromatics of classic juniper and a hint of cinnamon, backed up with a rich, luscious palate with a hint of sweetness from the Muscat and richness from the extended barrel ageing.
This year’s label is a collaboration with Melbourne artist Stephen Baker to create a snapshot of what he feels represents Christmas in Australia.
“It’s the backyard Christmas I know, lying next to the pool and listening to the radio after a big Christmas lunch,” said Baker. “The colours represent that afternoon summer heat and the cool relief of the pool or ocean.”
Limited release available in selected retail stores and online at www.fourpillarsgin.com.au, from November 3, 2018 until sold out.
