Distilled

There’s something amazing happening in the Australian cocktail world. Step into any of the country’s celebrated bars and you’ll see seasoned experts at the top of their mixology game, crafting masterpieces from small-batch local spirits, seasonal produce, and a host of other remarkable ingredients.

Created to shine a spotlight on Adelaide’s – and Australia’s – world-class bar scene, the judges of the inaugural Australian Distilling Co.’s Originals Cocktail Competition have crowned their winners, celebrating not only great drinks, but the people that make them.

For competition winner Dan Hayward Jarmyn, whose drink ‘Feijoan Winter’ was selected from the 16 remarkable finalists, shaken, and stirred together on the competition’s thrilling final night at Bank Street Social in June. It’s events like this that not only put Adelaide on the mixology map but help build a feeling of community during challenging times. “The hospitality industry has suffered in the last two years, and we need partners like Australian Distilling Co. to keep helping bring us all together.” says Dan

Stepping out from his regular home behind the bar at Bank Street Social, a dim, buzzy underground speakeasy in the heart of Adelaide’s West End, Dan brought together a collection of homemade ingredients – including feijoa butter and feijoa scrub – to create his wintery, fruit-forward cocktail, presented in a coupe glass with a macadamia and goji berry-lined rim.

“This drink is my ode to winter and a salute to memories of my childhood,” says Dan of the cocktail that was selected by judges from over 40 entries, securing him the $5,000 prize as well as 10 litres of Australian Distilling Co.’s beloved Adelaide Gin for Bank Street Social. “The cocktail is inspired by my memories of the feijoa tree in the backyard. It’s a combination of unique flavours to be enjoyed and savoured by the fire.”

Central to the drink’s wintery fruitiness is the Australian Distilling Co.’s popular Shiraz Gin, made by distilling gin with ripe Barossa shiraz grapes. “It’s just incredible,” Dan says of the scarlet-hued spirit. “I was very surprised by the sharp and lovely flavour that shone through as the hero of the cocktail.”

“Dan created a drink that surprised and excited the judging panel,” says founder of Australian Distilling Co. Michael Hickinbotham, “and just like our craft spirit business, where we reflect on the unique nature of Australia’s cities and regions, our winner showed true originality.”