What we’re Sipping this Summer: November Drinks News

Bottle of gin lying flat next to oyster shells

Holy Shucks: Society Launches Gin In Collaboration With Never Never Distilling Co
McLaren Vale’s very own Never Never Distilling Co. have created an Oyster Shell Gin in collaboration with the recently launched Society, (80 Collins Street, Melbourne). Inspired by the Australian coastline, Oyster Shell Gin uses Kangaroo Island oyster shells to impart a minerality and subtle saline character to the gin. It’s a flavour supported by the inclusion of other coastal botanicals including saltbush, Tasmanian wakame and native coastal daisy which lends itself to a dry martini or spirit-forward cocktail bursting with savoury sea spray & fragrant zest. ⁠

The Society team were sadly forced to close their doors after just five days due to Melbourne’s extended lockdowns, so we’re very happy to see that they made it through such a difficult time. Teaming up with NeverNever, they set out to create a unique expression of the Australian coastline built for contemporary seafood pairings. As with all Never Never gins, this one uses triple juniper as their foundation for a long mouth-feel and bold flavour, which we adore.

Martini next to the Never Never oyster shell gin

“When it comes to the Oyster Shell Gin, we are thrilled to see the way it has aligned with our restaurant’s focus on delicate, beautiful flavour. When you try it alongside the oysters in the restaurant it really comes to life” says Lucas Group’s, John Ross-Jones.
This collaboration between two innovative businesses proves that when restaurants and distilleries come together, one-of-a-kind spirits are created that you won’t want to miss out on. Get your own bottle at the Never Never cellar door, online here, or try it in a delicious cocktail at Society.

EBC Peach BelliniThe Everleigh Bottling Co. is launching its first non-alcoholic cocktail
Inheriting the name, recipes and ethos from Fitzroy’s internationally-renowned cocktail bar, The Everleigh Bottling Co make classic pre-batched single-serve bottled cocktails that you may have seen stocked around some of the best hotels and wine shops in Australia. Shaking it up a little, the Bellini is their first venture into the non-alcoholic trend sweeping the nation.
Bellini by the Everleigh bottling co
A twist on an Italian classic, made with peach purée, grape juice and verjuice, it’s a sophisticated, sparkling and balanced tipple designed to be served chilled in a Champagne flute or simply straight from the bottle (no straws needed). We think it’s perfect for picnics and social celebrations this Summer and the elegantly designed bottles will have your friends begging you for a sip themselves. You can get your own Bellini here.

Hardy's Wine in a glass
Hardy Wines released their latest icons range vintage just in time for Christmas
South Australian winery Hardys is no stranger to attention around their vintage releases, after all they are celebrating more than 165 years of winemaking and over 9,000 awards to date, and this year’s range is set to be extra special.Thomas Hardy – hailed as the father of the South Australian wine industry – who in 1853, against a backdrop of global uncertainty, launched a brand with an audacious goal – to craft wines ‘revered around the world’.
Harys Wines bottles, one is being held onto
Keep an eye out for the Thomas Hardy Cabernet Sauvignon 2017, Eileen Hardy Chardonnay 2019 and our personal favourite – the Eileen Hardy Shiraz 2018. Widely regarded as the first lady of Australian wine, the Eileen Hardy range is crafted exclusively in McLaren Vale. Full of rich and vibrant aromas of chocolate, plum and blueberry, the palate provides a pleasant contrast of dark chocolate and ripe blueberry. We couldn’t wait to try it now, but the bottle will also cellar nicely for 20+ years if you have better patience. You can pick up a bottle from their cellar door, or online.

 

– The Plus Ones Team

Please drink responsibly. We’re really excited for Melbourne and Australia to open up, so keep an eye on our pages for lots of upcoming events or try these drinks out in the comfort of your own home (or picnic!) this holiday season.

Photo Credit: Supplied. Never Never Gin photo by Now & Then.
Disclosure: The Plus Ones were invited to try these drinks courtesy of Dialogue PR, HHPR, The Cru.