Sydney’s gin distilleries offer a diverse and exciting landscape for enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Like other craft spirits, gin distilleries are popping up 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.
1. Archie Rose Distilling Co
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.
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Founded in 2014 by Will Edwards, Archie Rose is one of Australia’s most awarded distilleries. The distillery doesn’t just allow you 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.
Location: 85 Dunning Avenue, Roseberry
2. Four Pillars Distillery
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.
Location: 410 Crown Street, Surry Hills
3. Poor Toms Gin Hall
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.
Location: 6 Chalder Avenue, Marrickville
4. Distillery Botanica
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.
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As the name suggests, Distillery Botanica has a very different feel 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.
Location: 25 Portsmouth Road, Erina
5. Manly Spirits Co
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.
Location: Winbourne Industrial Estate, Brookvale
6. Unexpected Guest
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.
Location: 12 Cadogan Street, Marrickville
7. Karu Distillery
Karu Distillery is one of the more unique gin distilleries around Sydney, if anything for its unexpected setting. Overlooking the Devil’s Wilderness, Karu Distillery is the place to go if you fancy visiting a craft distillery whilst visiting the Blue Mountains.
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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.
Location: 296 Cabbage Tree Road, Grose Vale
8. Gin Lane
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.
Location: 16A Kensington Street, Chippendale
9. Ester Distillery
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.
Location: 31 Chalder Street, Marrickville
10. Hickson House Distillery
Hickson House Distilling Co. blends tradition with innovation in the heart of Sydney.
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Their award-winning gins—like the Classic Dry, Oyster Shell, and Harbour Bridge Gin—feature native botanicals and coastal influences, capturing the essence of Australia in every sip. Enjoy a drink at their bar, explore the distillery, or savour a cocktail that tells a local story.
Location: 75 Mary Street, St Peters
