Four Pillars is taking its Sticky Carpet national. The gin was originally created for the re-opening of the famous Hotel Esplanade in Melbourne’s St Kilda in September 2018 and is now available to purchase.
The gin has a deliberate pub feel thanks to the botanicals used in the distilling process. Four Pillars co-founder and distiller, Cam Mackenzie said: “Rather than just using our base spirit we have added a few litres of a local roasted dark stout (Watt’s River) to add some malty, toasted character.
“We then filled the stills with juniper, coriander, honey, roasted barley (another beer-y ingredient), cassia, green pepper, orris root, and Cascade Hops (there it is again). The botanical basket contains fresh lemon peel and ginger.
“After coming to the boil, we kept all plates open for the first half of the distillation before closing the plates and introducing some reflux in the latter half. This allows for the hops and honey characters to come through early, and the darker characters late.
“It’s an unusual gin. You get some lovely depth from the stout/barley and cassia, and spice from the pepper and ginger. The hops, lemon and coriander introduce some brighter tropical and citrus notes.”
Aside from the gin itself, the Sticky Carpet Gin label also pays its respect to the spirit and heritage of The Espy, celebrating the music legends who have passed through the doors of the Melbourne icon.
“The team at Sand Hill Road (proud new custodians of Hotel Esplanade) gave us access to an incredible collection of genuine old band posters that are relics of the Gershwin Room gigs of the past – each one an original,”
said Four Pillars co-founder, Matt Jones.
“We used these artworks on the underside of the label – another nod to the rich history of this grand old pub,”
Andy Mullins, one of the directors of Sand Hill Road said: “We jumped at the opportunity to produce a special gin for the Espy with Four Pillars, and they really understood our vision to create something that was both a respectful nod over the shoulder to all who went before us, and a lit flame to light the path for all who forge ahead.
“Since we re-opened Hotel Esplanade in December 2018 the Sticky Carpet Gin has been a huge hit, and we love that its really become part of the story and identity of this much-loved venue. We’re excited that drinkers around Australia will now be able to experience a little bit of the Espy in their homes.”
Four Pillars Sticky Carpet Gin is available online at www.fourpillarsgin.com.au or at the Four Pillars Distillery Door for RRP $85.
