Hermetica Distillery Gin
Hermetica Distillery Gin
Written by Kat Chrisoulis
This month, we’re thrilled to be featuring Hermetica Gin, crafted amid the picturesque rolling hills of the Yarra Valley in the charming locale of Healesville. Just an hour’s drive north-east of Melbourne, the Yarra Valley beckons those who relish life’s luxuries – true bon vivants if you will. With over eighty premium wineries in the region, it is a sanctuary of craftsmanship, culture and luxury.
From the innovative minds of Alchemy Distillers – perhaps familiar from our March 2023 box – Hermetica Distillery embodies the essence of this region impeccably.
A botanically-balanced dry Australian gin, our choice this month offers a delicate blend of zest and spice. With festive undertones of fresh pine needle, it’s the perfect companion for a chilly winter’s night. You might even say, it’s Christmas in July...
“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.
“While they may lack fancy names, their significance in our distillation process cannot be overstated, serving as the beating heart of our operation.”
When we last spoke with Evan and Jannick, they spoke of their goal to open a tasting room. Now, not a year later, they invite us to their brand-new cellar door in Healesville. Here amongst the charm of the Yarra Valley, visitors can indulge in guided tastings, sip on handcrafted cocktails featuring Hermetica’s renowned spirits, and partake in informative distillery tours that allow guests to delve into the artistry behind the distillation process.
Another significant milestone in their journey is the installation of a new, state-of-the-art wastewater management system. This advanced system not only ensures compliance with the highest environmental standards, but also plays a crucial role in reducing the distillery’s operating costs and carbon footprint.
A key feature of this cutting-edge system is its ability to recycle the heat produced during distillation. By harnessing this heat, Hermetica can pre-heat their next batch of spirit wash. The system also effectively cools the wastewater, further eliminating the need for energy-intensive heating and cooling methods.
About the gin
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.
“At Hermetica Distillery, we’re always looking ahead to exciting new horizons. While we can’t reveal all our secrets just yet, we’re thrilled to share that we have some tantalizing projects in the pipeline. Our dedicated team is hard at work crafting a selection of limited cask releases and small batch products that promise to push the boundaries of flavour and innovation.”
So in the meantime, pour yourself a glass of Hermetica Gin, add in our perfectly paired tonic, or unleash your inner mixologist with one of the recipes in this month's magazine, and join us as we eagerly await their next release. Cheers!
About the Distillery
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.
Tasting Notes
Gin type – London Dry
Appearance – Clear, bright
Botanicals – Juniper, coriander seed, lemon, pine needle, aniseed, angelica root, cinnamon, macadamia, orris root
Aroma – A refreshing bouquet of juniper, citrus, and subtle spices
Palate – Juniper essence shines through, complemented by bright lemon and a delicate interplay of spices. The creaminess of macadamia adds depth and complexity
Finish – Clean, crisp, with a lingering piney freshness and a hint of warmth
FEATURED IN THE GIN CLUB
Hermetica Distillery's Gin is featured in July 2024's Gin Subscription box!
Sign up to the club today for a complete curated distillery experience at home while stocks last.