Roll up your sleeves, get a bit boozy and learn to craft gin like the masters. Bass & Flinders Distillery is bringing their Gin Masterclass to Chapel Street!
Gin has taken Melbourne by storm. Juniperlooza, craft distilleries, gin pop up events…we simply can’t get enough of the stuff. Now you can take your love of gin to the next level and learn to make your own gin recipe.
We spent an afternoon diving deep into the world of gin, botanicals and blending with Bass & Flinders Distillery at in their new pop-up master class at the Chapel Lane Huts.
Holly, the Distiller from Bass & Flinders, guided us through the history of gin (originating from Holland, it was called “genever.” The British were too drunk to pronounce “genever” so it became “gen” and later “gin”), how the distillation process works, and a tasting of all 14 botanicals. We decided what we liked (and didn’t) and tried our hand at crafting our very own gin recipe.
Our gin recipe base consisted of a juniper base blended with coriander and botanicals of our choice including the more common lime, lemon myrtle, cardamon, and the not so common wormwood, calamus root, and cassia bark.
We measured, mixed, tasted, and refined. Luckily, Holly gave us two changes to get our recipe just right. The final version was taken back to the distillery to create our very own gin bottle, which would be mailed to us shortly after.
Starting the masterclass with a moderate appreciation of gin, and zero knowledge of the drink, I quickly developed a keen fondness and appreciation when I was able to deconstruct the beverage and understand the substantial amount of work that goes into planning and crafting the perfect recipe.
Bass & Flinders is known for their use of local Aussie botanicals, including some bizarre experimental ingredients like Western Australian ant pheromones (it was surprisingly delicious).
The masterclass finished off with a celebratory gin & tonic, cheese board, and tasting of the full Bass & Flinders range.
Bass & Flinders Pop-Up Gin Masterclasses run on Saturdays this Autumn at Chapel Lane Huts. Tickets start at $200 and can be purchased here.
– Ember Mitchell
Ember is an American turned Aussie. Her love affair with Melbourne goes back five years, and she still can’t get enough of this city! Discovering new hideouts and hidden gems around Melbourne is her hobby. Marketing Strategist by day, spontaneous adventurer, brekky enthusiast, and aerial acrobat by night.
Chapel Lane Huts
430-436 Chapel St
South Yarra VIC
https://www.bassandflindersdistillery.com/
Roll up your sleeves, get a bit boozy and learn to craft gin like the masters. Bass & Flinders Distillery is bringing their Gin Masterclass to Chapel Street!
