July 2024 | Hermetica Distillery Gin

“Hermetica represents the next level of our journey—a bold new chapter fuelled by ambition, creativity, and an unyielding dedication to craft spirits that transcend the ordinary and elevate the extraordinary.”

Drawing inspiration from the ancient art of alchemy, Jannick and Evan chose the name Hermetica to reflect their quest for wisdom and enlightenment.

“Just as alchemists sought to transmute the ordinary into the extraordinary, we endeavour to infuse our spirits with a touch of magic and mystery, making each sip an unforgettable experience.”

Upon reflection, Evan and Jannick see Alchemy Distillers as an essential period of growth, learning, and discovery, laying the foundations for the next exciting chapter of their journey.

Hermetica has seen significant growth since its inception. From humble beginnings, the distillery now operates across three buildings, with the original structure serving as their main production facility, while two separate warehouses home ageing whiskies. Jannick and Evan utilise state-of-the-art hybrid reflux column stills (affectionately named “big still” and “little still”), which are versatile in their ability to produce a diverse range of spirits.

Hermetica Gin is, put simply, the culmination of Evan and Jannick’s relentless experimentation, dedication, and vibrant passion for craftsmanship. The result? A sophisticated yet simple spirit with a refreshing bouquet of juniper, citrus, and subtle spices.

A juniper-forward creation, this gin showcases the traditional pine profile offered by the foundational berry. Complimenting this is a delicate interplay of coriander seed, zesty lemon, and fresh pine needle; each injecting a fresh burst of citrus in every sip. Grounding these fresh botanicals are the earthy nuances offered by angelica, cinnamon, and macadamia. These impart a nutty, warm, and rich depth to the gin, ensuring it has a smooth mouthfeel. Finally, orris root – which is traditionally used in perfume making – binds and enhances the gin’s aroma.

Being careful to not over-complicate the recipe, the distillery team meticulously selected each botanical, favouring  Australian farmers whenever possible to ensure quality and freshness. When local sourcing is challenging, Hermetica partners with reputable Australian suppliers to maintain the integrity and consistency of every batch.

Co-founders of Alchemy Distillers and Hermetica Distillery, Jannick Zester and Evan Kipping met several years ago when Evan moved to Healesville and applied for a position at a local Japanese restaurant owned by Jannick. What seemed like a chance encounter at the time, eventually blossomed into a fateful partnership empowered by a vision to enter the spirits industry.

In 2016, they launched Alchemy Distillers, transforming an old bakery on Healesville’s main street into a hub of spirit-making. For seven years, Jannick and Evan immersed themselves in the art and science of distillation, both assuming the role of ‘head distiller’ to perfect their creations. Their dedication saw the distillery crowned Australia’s Champion Vodka producer, and their Chamomile Gin took home a Gold Medal at the Australian Distilled Spirits Awards in 2019.

Yet, despite these accolades and milestones, Jannick and Evan felt there was more to their journey. They simply yearned for a brand that encapsulated their passion and evolution as distillers. This desire led them to create Hermetica Distillery, a new brand that embodies everything they’ve learned and achieved to date.