December 2023 | Puss & Mew Honey Coconut Gin

Neither initially seemed destined for hospitality – Deb comes from a career in education and teaching, while Brett’s background in insurance brings a practical perspective to their endeavours. However, Brett’s creativity knows no bounds and he’s constantly bubbling with ideas for projects. Whether it’s constructing a new deck, a lush garden or adrenaline-packed holidays, his adventurous spirit has led the family to incredible places. Most recently, this creativity has found a new outlet in the form of distillation.

After dabbling with home brewing, it was a short step into the world of gin. Inspired by the diverse flavour profiles and the artistry that craft distilling offered, they were hooked. Armed with a small still, the pair began experimenting with botanical combinations to create their very own gins. They immersed themselves into study and resources about gin, visited distilleries and attended gin-making classes. All this laid the foundation for what would later become Puss & Mew Distillery.

The inspiration for Puss & Mew’s Honey Coconut Gin came from close to home. Through their daughter’s partner and their family, Brett and Deb were keen to showcase Castlemaine Honey from Victoria. Determined to still keep the gin dry, the couple experimented to achieve the taste they desired. In their own words, “we categorise this gin as sweet by name, not by nature”. This meant using the honey in the pot, and (after many trials) vapour infusing lightly toasted coconut, figs and spiced botanicals. ‘All flavours of this delicate gin are achieved through the distillation process and not added post-production.’

Puss & Mew Distillery has rapidly carved a name for itself in the world of spirits with its remarkable range of award-winning gins in just two short years of competitions.

Their latest addition, Australian Dry Gin, is a silver medallist at the Australian Distilled Spirits Awards, offering a robust juniper-forward flavour with refreshing finger lime and peppermint gum notes.

Incredibly, the other four gins in their range are each three-time award winning craft gins! The Signature Dry Gin is smooth and complex, and strikes a harmonious balance of botanicals. It offers spiced warmth with citrus and earthy undertones, rounded off with a subtle sweetness of vanilla.

The Navy Strength Gin is an intensified version of their Signature Gin. It delivers an enhanced flavour experience, with each botanical dancing on the palate. The higher ABV carries fragrant citrus aromas, subtle vanilla sweetness, and a warm, peppery juniper finish.

And for something unique, their Spiced Turkish Delight Gin pays homage to the world-famous Middle Eastern dessert. It captivates with vapour-infused rose petal infusions to collect rosewater, and a delightful mix of botanicals. Infused with hibiscus, this gin boasts a lovely colour and delightful hints of orange, cinnamon, and vanilla that transport you to the flavours of the Middle East without added sweetness.

Gin type – Honey Coconut Gin

Appearance – Clear, bright

Botanicals – Juniper, coriander seeds, Castlemaine honey, toasted coconut, figs, allspice, nutmeg, cassia bark

Aroma – Buttery biscuit with notes of honey, coconut and a hint of cinnamon evoke memories of gingerbread

Palate – Fresh juniper and coriander notes with subtle smoothness of honey and fig on the palate

Finish – Warm nutmeg and allspice linger