Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley has unveiled 1832 Wolgan gin, its artisan, locally-distilled product inspired by the rich bounty of the valley – and Sydney’s travel industry got to sample it first.
General manager Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley, James Wyndham, invited a group of connoisseurs from the travel and media spheres – plus a few people who just enjoy a gin – to The Barber Shop in Sydney (which really is a barber shop, with a cocktail bar at the back).
The lighting in the cocktail bar is dim – suiting martinis and gin cocktails rather than a shave and a haircut.
1832 Wolgan Gin was created in collaboration with leading gin specialist, Mikey Enright and Ian Glen from the historical Stone Pine Distillery.
Named after the early settler heritage of Wolgan Valley in 1832, the artisan gin blend has a deep connection to the valley of its origin – it’s distilled with purified water from the pristine Carne Creek, which flows through the resort’s surrounding nature reserve.
1832 Wolgan Gin is infused with seven native botanicals that create a flavour profile distinctive to the region. Hand-picked lemon-scented tea tree from the nature reserve has been blended with coriander seed, finger lime, juniper berry, angelica root, orris root and liquorice root to infuse 1832 Wolgan Gin with flavours that evoke the pristine bushland wilderness.
Ensemble Travel Group’s chief in Australia, Trish Shepherd
Mikey Enright of the Barber Shop, a gin professional with over 30 years’ experience in the hospitality industry, co-owns three iconic bars in Sydney. His gin expertise helped define the style of gin and the creation of three bespoke gin cocktails – the One&Only, the Valley Gin & Tonic and the Wolgan Martini.
All were served up in abundance at The Barber Shop.
The Barber Shop bar crew work on cocktails
Working alongside the resort team and Mikey was distiller Ian Glen from Stone Pine Distillery, which is situated on the site of the 1840s historic homestead ‘Merembra’ in Bathurst, just over an hour’s drive from Wolgan Valley. Ian grew up in Scotland and moved to Australia in 2006. His minimal-process microdistillery approach to gin-making is perfectly aligned with the sustainable ethos of Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley.
Rules of the Establishment
Gin tasting notes from the experts: Wolgan 1832 Gin has a well-balanced flavour profile, with juniper and citrus notes backed up by herbaceous tea tree character and a hint of spice. Medium-length finish and smooth finish with juniper, citrus and tee tree lingering on the palate.
1832 Wolgan Gin is exclusively available at Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley and The Barber Shop in Sydney. Both locations will be serving three bespoke cocktails crafted to showcase the unique flavour of 1832 Wolgan Gin; The One&Only, which is mixed with St Germain Elderflower, yuzu and French oak tincture, as well as two versions of classic blends, Valley Gin & Tonic and Wolgan Martini.
Written by Peter Needham
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