Sydney’s gin distilleries offer a diverse and exciting landscape for enthusiasts and newcomers alike. From coastal influences to botanical wonders, each distillery brings a unique perspective to the art of gin-making. Like other craft spirits, gin distilleries are popping up all around Sydney, meaning you are spoilt for choice. What makes it even better is that they aren’t just distilleries, but eclectic bars that make for a night out.
In this guide we’re going to take you through the 10 best independent gin distilleries in Sydney.
The 10 Best Gin Distilleries around Sydney
1. Archie Rose Distilling Co
85 Dunning Avenue, Roseberry
Nestled in the heart of Rosebery, Archie Rose stands as a pioneer in the Australian craft distillery scene. Renowned for their commitment to quality and innovation, they offer a range of gins that showcase native botanicals, creating a true taste of Australia.
Founded in 2014 by Will Edwards, Archie Rose is one of Australia’s most awarded distilleries. The distillery doesn’t just give you the opportunity to try their award winning gins, it also offers the unique opportunity to blend your own gin, whisky and learn how to make your own cocktail.
2. Four Pillars Distillery
410 Crown Street, Surry Hills
Hailing from the Yarra Valley in Victoria, Four Pillars has made its mark in Sydney with a unique approach to gin-making. Their innovative creations, like the Bloody Shiraz Gin, have gained international acclaim.
In Surry Hills you can choose from their shop, bar and distillery depending on what you fancy. The Gin Lab is the place to go for Gin Masterclasses if you’re looking to learn more about how they make their gin and how to create the perfect cocktail.
Alternatively, you could let someone else do the work for you at Eileen Bar and enjoy sampling one of their own cocktails.
3. Poor Toms Gin Hall
6 Chalder Avenue, Marrickville
Tucked away in the Inner West, Poor Toms Gin Hall is where whimsy and craftsmanship collide. Known for their flagship Sydney Dry Gin, the distillery offers tours and tastings in a setting that captures the essence of their adventurous spirit.
Poor Tom’s was one of the first craft gin distilleries around Sydney, opening their distillery in 2015. Today you can take a tour of the distillery or enjoy a cocktail which changes regularly to reflect the seasonal produce available.
4. Distillery Botanica
25 Portsmouth Road, Erina
Located on the scenic Central Coast, Distillery Botanica is a botanical paradise that produces an array of artisanal spirits. Their Moore’s Vintage Dry Gin, featuring a botanical garden of handpicked ingredients, is a testament to their dedication to quality and craftsmanship.
As the name suggests, Distillery Botanica has a very different feel to the rest on this list with beautiful grounds as opposed to inner city grittiness.
You can include a tour around their gardens as a part of a tasting, including one with their master distiller. They also offer cocktail making and a chance to craft to your own gin.
5. Manly Spirits Co
Winbourne Industrial Estate, Brookvale
Embracing the coastal vibes of Manly Beach, Manly Spirits Co. produces gins that reflect the beauty of the Australian coastline. From marine-inspired botanicals to indigenous flavors, every sip tells a story of the sea and the land.
Located 15 minutes away from the Manly Ferry Wharf, you can choose to enrol in the Gin School, where you can create your own gin or learn to make cocktails.
Alternatively, you can enjoy their expertly crafted cocktails at the Distillery Tasting Bar or take a distillery tour from Thursday to Sunday.
6. Unexpected Guest
12 Cadogan Street, Marrickville
Having grown from it’s origins of a 1972 kombi van, Unexpected Guest is now a unique blend of tradition, innovation, and unexpected twists. Situated in a chic corner of the city, this distillery has quickly become a rendezvous for those seeking an extraordinary gin experience.
7. Karu Distillery
296 Cabbage Tree Road, Grose Vale
Karu Distillery is one of the more unique gin distilleries around Sydney, if anything for it’s unexpected setting.
Overlooking the Devil’s Wilderness, Karu Distillery is the place to go if you fancied visiting a craft distillery whilst visiting the Blue Mountains. This award winning distillery is competing on the world stage, winning “the World’s best infused vodka” and their Lightning Gin won the trophy for the best contemporary gin at the International Wines and Spirits Competition.
8. Gin Lane
16A Kensington Street, Chippendale
Situated in Chippendale, Gin Lane is a boutique distillery that combines tradition with a modern twist. Their expertly crafted gins, served in a charming setting reminiscent of the 18th century, make for an elegant and enjoyable experience.
9. Ester Distillery
31 Chalder Street, Marrickville
Nestled in the heart of Sydney, Ester Distillery stands as a testament to the harmonious marriage of art and science in the realm of gin production. This boutique distillery, with its unassuming facade, belies the intricate process happening within its walls.
Like many of the gin distilleries around Sydney, Ester offers tastings and a tour around the distillery, as well as a chance to sample one of their cocktails at their pop-up bar.
10. Crooked Tune
75 Mary Street, St Peters
In the symphony of Sydney’s gin distilleries, Crooked Tune Distillery emerges as a distinctive note, harmonizing tradition with a rebellious spirit.
Tucked away in a quaint corner of the city, this artisanal gem has become a celebrated destination for those seeking an authentic and unapologetically creative gin experience.
