December 2024 | Darwin Distilling Co. Tropical Monsoon Gin

“Living in Darwin is incredible. The Northern Territory offers the perfect work-life balance – you’re never stuck in traffic, and people actually do things after work! It’s a super social place.”

The spark for this venture came during a visit to Hong Kong’s gin haven, Ping Pong. There, inspiration struck. With gin as a canvas, Bec realised she could create something extraordinary with the native botanicals of the Northern Territory, bottling up the wild, raw essence of this place she had grown to love. Combining her deep hospitality experience with a spirit of adventure, Darwin Distilling Co. was born and Bec has never looked back.

The distillery is a testament to Bec’s creativity, sustainability efforts, and innovative approach. Botanicals are foraged locally from her own garden or sourced through partnerships with indigenous communities and local farmers. Every bottle crafted by Darwin Distilling Co. tells a story of the Northern Territory’s rich biodiversity, and Bec’s passion for showcasing its unique landscape.

This gin holds a special place in Bec’s heart – originally a product of tinkering to develop something to celebrate her birthday the best way she knows how – with gin! 

Tropical Monsoon Gin transports you straight to the Top End’s wet season – November to April – the most dramatic time of year when the land bursts back to life after months of scorching dry heat. Inspired by this transformation, the gin brings electric energy and lush abundance right into your glass.

“It’s a time of year that delivers a kaleidoscope of abundant fruits, iridescent green landscapes, gushing waterfalls, and rumbling storms. The tropics always burst into color and life after six long months of the dry.”

Tucked down an unassuming alleyway, if you find the right rollerdoor and catch the lift upstairs, you’ll find yourself at home in Charlie’s of Darwin. Here also sits Darwin Distilling Co., where you can immerse yourself entirely to the distillation process. Sleek, copper-finished stills serve as a stunning focal point alongside a refined restaurant ambiance to create an unforgettable dining and drinking experience.

Inside, the distillery’s setup includes a 500L hybrid still and ‘Little Bidds,’ an experimental 50L still. This intimate arrangement allows you to get up close and personal with the gin-making process, appreciating the precision and craftsmanship that goes into each small batch release.

And for those who want to take their gin experience one step further, the Gin Blending Masterclasses are the perfect opportunity! Led by Bec herself, these workshops guide you through the history and techniques of gin making, before creating your own bespoke spirit. You can select from Bec’s arsenal of botanicals to craft something that’s uniquely yours. It’s a hands-on, creative journey that lets you walk away with a piece of the distillery’s magic.

Darwin Distilling Co. has an ever-evolving lineup that keeps the spirit of the Northern Territory alive in every bottle. The Salty Plum Gin is a playful favourite, balancing sweet, salty, and sour notes with a punch of lime and ginger. It’s a cheeky nod to Territorian flavours and its Asian influence, delivering a bold and adventurous experience for your palate.

The Lady of the North Navy Strength Gin brings a robust profile, blending turkey bark, myrtles, paperbark, and Kakadu Plum. With a bold citrus kick and a smooth hint of vanilla, this high-proof gin is perfect for those who love a complex, refined spirit. Meanwhile, the Bésame Mucho Pink Gin is a fruity delight, combining dragon fruit, mulberries, and wild rosella for a refreshing, summer-perfect sip.

A Spirit of Laksa Gin, which first featured at 2021’s Darwin International Laksa Festival, captures the bold, aromatic flavours of this beloved dish and complements a crocodile dumpling or two!

Gin type – Contemporary Gin

Appearance – Bright, clear, water-white, colourless

Botanicals – Juniper, coriander, cinnamon, candlenuts, ginger, angelica root, galangal, pineapple, Kaffir lime, Meyer lemon, Vietnamese mint, lemongrass, dragon fruit, passionfruit, lime, Darwin lemon, longan, rosella, grapefruit

Aroma – Clean, medium intensity aroma; vibrant, fresh tropical notes showcasing pineapple, passionfruit and zesty lime

Palate – Mouthfilling oily texture from a bouquet of citrus and candlenuts, earthy ginger in the mid-palate. A tart, citrus burst to finish with a subtle leafy edge of Kaffir lime and lemongrass notes